Normanby Primary School, located in Middlesbrough, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 5 and 6, 2022. The school fosters a calm and purposeful atmosphere where pupils are encouraged to embody the STAR values of self-belief, teamwork, achievement, and respect. These values are integral to the school culture, helping students navigate their educational journey and personal development. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, actively participating in lessons and responding promptly to instructions from teachers. The use of individual whiteboards allows all students to engage with questions, promoting a collaborative learning environment. The school has a strong anti-bullying ethos, with students feeling confident to report any issues to trusted adults.
Normanby Primary School offers a variety of residential experiences for key stage two pupils, enhancing their social skills, resilience, and independence. The school prioritizes mental and physical health, educating students on the importance of exercise and limiting screen time. Emotional literacy support assistants are available to assist those with well-being needs, and the presence of a school dog, Luna, adds to the nurturing environment. Staff members express high levels of job satisfaction, celebrating student achievements during weekly assemblies.
The leadership team at Normanby Primary School is committed to a vision of enjoy, believe, achieve, which shapes the curriculum. While the early years curriculum is currently separate from the rest of the school’s curriculum, leaders are working to integrate these two areas. Some subject leaders are still developing their leadership skills, and plans are in place for them to collaborate with more experienced colleagues to strengthen curriculum links from Nursery Year through to Year Six. The curriculum is designed to build complexity over time, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for future learning challenges.
Phonics instruction is a daily practice in early years and key stage one, with reading materials closely aligned to pupils' phonics knowledge. Regular assessments help identify students who may need additional support, particularly in light of the pandemic's impact on learning. A new phonics scheme has been introduced to ensure consistency in teaching across all year groups. In mathematics, leaders have implemented a structured approach that allows for revisiting and consolidating concepts throughout the year, catering for the diverse needs of pupils.
The school adopts a comprehensive approach to personal, social, and health education, ensuring that topics such as consent and healthy relationships are revisited annually. Pupils are educated on online safety, which is crucial given their daily use of technology for learning. The governing body plays an active role in holding leaders accountable, particularly regarding the effective use of COVID-19 recovery funding.
Safeguarding measures at Normanby Primary School are robust, with staff receiving annual training to recognize signs of harm. The school provides support for families facing various challenges, including financial and attendance issues. Leaders are proactive in addressing local risks, such as those associated with nearby parks and busy roads, by implementing safety training for pupils.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Staff are currently familiarizing themselves with a new phonics scheme, and leaders must ensure consistent implementation across the board. Additionally, curriculum leaders need to work closely with early years staff to establish clear connections between the early years curriculum and the rest of the school’s educational framework. Overall, Normanby Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
