Shield Row Primary School, located in County Durham, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 29 and 30, 2023. The school environment is vibrant and engaging, with classrooms and corridors adorned with students' work that reflects a rich curriculum. The school maintains high expectations for its pupils, who respond positively, resulting in industrious classrooms where learning is prioritized and time is utilized effectively.
Strong relationships between staff and students are fundamental to the school's success, beginning in the early years where children adapt quickly to the expectations set for them. This nurturing environment fosters natural curiosity, leading to exceptional learning behaviors that persist throughout the school. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, contributing to a positive atmosphere where they thrive, particularly during lively playtimes where support is readily available.
The curriculum at Shield Row Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, with knowledge organized into manageable steps. Knowledge organizers help students retain key information, and vocabulary is emphasized to enhance their confidence in discussing their studies. The school has achieved consistency in curriculum organization and implementation, linking lessons to real-world contexts to broaden pupils' understanding of career options.
However, there are areas for improvement. Some activities presented to pupils can be overly ambitious, as they may lack the foundational knowledge necessary to engage with them effectively. For instance, in science, pupils struggled with fair testing due to insufficient understanding of variables, while in mathematics, they faced challenges in problem-solving without a solid grasp of required strategies. This aspect of curriculum development is still in the process of being embedded.
Reading is a priority at Shield Row Primary School, with a strong culture established from Nursery through to Key Stage 1. Children are immersed in stories and rhymes, fostering a love for reading from an early age. The school ensures that reading materials align closely with pupils' phonics knowledge, promoting confidence in their reading abilities. However, the phonics program could benefit from further development, particularly in early letter formation.
As pupils progress, they are encouraged to explore a diverse range of high-quality texts, with initiatives like the 'tree challenge' motivating them to read extensively throughout the year. The school also excels in supporting pupils' personal development, providing opportunities for understanding themselves and others, including those from different cultures. Extracurricular activities further enhance their interests and talents.
The management of special educational needs and disabilities has been significantly improved, with extensive training for staff to enhance their skills and knowledge. Individual targets for pupils with SEND are precise and regularly reviewed to ensure ongoing progress. The school has also implemented robust procedures for managing attendance, resulting in a decrease in persistent absenteeism and an overall rise in attendance rates.
Governors and trust leaders are well-informed about the school, providing appropriate support and challenge while being mindful of staff workload and wellbeing. Staff feel valued and are committed to the school's ambitions. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, while Shield Row Primary School demonstrates many strengths, particularly in its curriculum and supportive environment, there are areas that require attention to ensure all pupils can achieve their full potential. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the identified areas for improvement.
