Belford Primary School, located in Northumberland, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection took place on January 24 and 25, 2023, and the school has maintained its previous inspection grade of Good since May 2018.
The school fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and enjoy attending. The school's vision, encapsulated in the phrase Make, Believe, Learn and Achieve, is integrated into daily activities, promoting a positive learning atmosphere. Leaders at the school have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is broad and well-structured, providing pupils with a rich array of academic and extracurricular experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Pupils express confidence in seeking help from trusted adults, and there is a strong emphasis on building positive relationships among staff and students. The school community is characterized by respect and cooperation, with pupils of all ages playing together harmoniously. Parents have expressed overwhelming positivity about the school, highlighting its strong community ethos and commitment to pupil happiness.
Leaders have carefully considered the educational needs of pupils, ensuring that the curriculum is designed to facilitate learning over time. The teaching of reading and mathematics has been prioritized, with effective phonics instruction in place. Pupils receive quality support in their reading journeys, and the mathematics curriculum is well-planned and successfully implemented. Early years pupils make significant progress in their reading skills, and the school promotes a love for reading through a diverse selection of fiction and non-fiction books.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Some teachers do not effectively assess pupils' knowledge retention over time, which limits leaders' understanding of what pupils are remembering. Additionally, in certain foundation subjects, planned activities may not be sufficiently challenging, hindering the depth of pupils' subject knowledge. Leaders are encouraged to enhance assessment practices and provide quality training for teachers to deepen pupils' understanding through effective pedagogy.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-sequenced and is complemented by assemblies and themed weeks. Pupils engage in activities that promote understanding of modern British values and equality. Older pupils take on responsibilities, supporting younger students during lunchtime, which fosters a sense of community and empathy.
Pupils' behavior is consistently positive, with clear routines established that promote independence and mutual support. The well-being of the school community is a priority for leaders and governors, who implement various initiatives to build resilience and teamwork among pupils. Staff are well-supported in managing their workloads, and governors actively participate in school life, demonstrating their commitment to the development of every child.
The safeguarding arrangements at Belford Primary School are effective, with clear policies and procedures in place. The designated safeguarding lead is knowledgeable about the school community and ensures timely responses to any concerns. Staff receive regular updates on safeguarding issues, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe in various contexts.
In summary, Belford Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and socially. The school demonstrates a commitment to high standards of education and personal development, while also recognizing areas for growth in assessment practices and curriculum challenges. The collaborative efforts of leaders, staff, and governors contribute to a positive school culture that prioritizes the well-being and success of all pupils.
