Stamfordham Primary School, located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The inspection took place on July 11 and 12, 2024, and it was the first routine inspection since the COVID-19 pandemic. The school has a strong reputation within the community, and families appreciate the supportive environment it provides. Pupils demonstrate significant growth in confidence and learn to be considerate of others, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where students of all ages engage in various activities together.
The early years provision at Stamfordham Primary is particularly noteworthy, with staff establishing strong relationships with children and their families. They are adept at identifying barriers to learning and adapting their approaches to meet individual needs. This strong foundation allows pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to thrive, fully participating in school life and achieving commendable outcomes. The school’s values of resilience, ambition, and nurture are well understood by the pupils, who strive to meet the high expectations set by the leaders.
Behaviour in the school is exemplary, with pupils enjoying their lessons and working diligently. They feel safe and know how to seek help when needed, trusting the staff to address any issues that arise. The leadership team, including governors, is committed to ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for the next stages of their education. They focus on continuous improvement in both academic and pastoral areas, with particular emphasis on early years, reading, and mathematics.
The curriculum at Stamfordham Primary is broad and sequenced, with staff receiving effective training to enhance their subject knowledge. Pupils engage in a variety of enriching activities, including residential visits and outdoor learning experiences. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the assessment processes. Some lessons do not adequately focus on essential subject knowledge, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding and retention of previous learning. Leaders are aware of this issue and have plans to strengthen assessment practices.
Reading is prioritized across the school, with early years children exposed to a wide range of stories and phonics instruction. Most pupils achieve well in phonics and become fluent readers by Year 3. The school also recently introduced a new mathematics program, which has proven effective in helping pupils grasp mathematical concepts and vocabulary.
The personal development program at Stamfordham Primary is a significant strength, teaching pupils how to manage their emotions and cope with challenges. The school offers a variety of clubs that cater to diverse interests, promoting a sense of social responsibility among pupils. They actively participate in community initiatives, such as fundraising for local food banks and enhancing the school grounds for wildlife.
Overall, Stamfordham Primary School provides a nurturing and effective educational environment. The strong relationships between staff, pupils, and families contribute to a positive school culture. While the school excels in many areas, particularly in early years and personal development, there is a need to refine assessment practices to ensure all pupils retain and build upon their learning effectively. The commitment of the leadership team to continuous improvement bodes well for the future of the school and its pupils.
