Burnside Primary School, located in Cramlington, Northumberland, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 14 and 15, 2023. The school is characterized by a friendly and happy atmosphere where pupils demonstrate respect for their peers and teachers. The relationships within the school are warm and trusting, fostering an environment where good manners and courtesy are prevalent. Teachers have high expectations for their students, who in turn hold themselves and each other to high standards, striving for success.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students motivated to earn the 'golden ticket' as a reward for their hard work and good conduct. The school has established a culture of trust, where students feel confident that their concerns, including issues of bullying, will be addressed seriously by the staff. Pupils learn the importance of speaking out against injustice and understand that even small changes can have a significant impact.
The school offers a variety of enrichment activities and resources, such as a first aid hut, a reading cabin, a wildlife area, and an outdoor learning hut. Students are encouraged to be caring and socially responsible, choosing three charities to support each year. There is a strong emphasis on mental health and emotional well-being, with resources like the 'wellness room' available for students to discuss their feelings with the mental health leader. Pupils engage in activities that help them recognize and communicate their emotions, such as making pledges displayed on the 'promise tree.'
The leadership team has worked diligently to create an engaging curriculum that builds logically from early years to Year 6. The curriculum is designed to help pupils connect new learning with prior knowledge, particularly evident in subjects like geography and mathematics. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like history, where the essential knowledge that students need to retain is not clearly defined. This lack of clarity can hinder pupils' ability to recall prior learning.
Teachers utilize daily checks and termly assessments to monitor pupils' understanding and inform their next steps. While the assessment process is generally effective, challenges arise when the main learning objectives are not clearly identified. Leaders are committed to ensuring that all pupils become fluent and confident readers, with systematic phonics lessons and regular training for teachers. Most pupils develop a love for reading and become skilled readers by the end of key stage 1.
The school is inclusive, meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities effectively. All students have access to the same curriculum, and the special educational needs coordinator ensures that information is shared among staff to support smooth transitions for these pupils.
Burnside Primary School provides numerous opportunities for pupils' wider development, including music lessons, visits to cultural sites, and roles of responsibility such as school councillors and eco-warriors. The school celebrates various religious festivals and teaches students about different cultures, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
Governors actively support the leadership team in their commitment to providing the best for pupils, regularly evaluating the effectiveness of new initiatives. Staff morale is high, with good teamwork and support from leaders who prioritize the well-being of their staff.
The safeguarding arrangements at Burnside Primary School are effective, with a strong commitment to keeping all pupils safe. Staff receive regular training, and pupils are educated about various safety risks, including online dangers and road safety. Overall, while Burnside Primary School excels in many areas, there is a need for clearer identification of essential knowledge in some foundation subjects to enhance learning and assessment.
