Mountfield Primary School, located in North Kenton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 21 and 22, 2024. The executive headteacher, Elaine Boardman, leads the school, which is part of the SMART Multi Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Colin Lofthouse and a board of trustees chaired by Charles Alexander Christie. The school is noted for its exceptional care and support for pupils and their families, with staff actively collaborating with various professionals to meet the diverse needs of students. The focus on social, emotional, and mental health is particularly commendable, and the school employs research-based strategies to manage behavior effectively. Pupils report feeling happy, safe, and nurtured in their school environment.
The school demonstrates ambition for all its pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. A newly implemented curriculum is positively impacting the knowledge and skills of regularly attending pupils. Educational visits to local places of worship, art galleries, and museums enrich the learning experience. Additionally, outdoor and adventurous residential experiences in key stage two help develop pupils' social skills.
The early years provision is exceptional, with children in Nursery and Reception gaining the necessary skills for success in Year 1. However, some pupils do not attend regularly enough to become fluent early readers by Year 1. The phonics program is well-resourced, but there are concerns regarding the achievement of Year 1 pupils in the phonics screening check, as some miss sessions due to absences. The consistency of the phonics program's delivery needs improvement.
Recently, the school has taken significant steps to implement a revised curriculum, ensuring that foundation subjects are taught discretely. The curriculum emphasizes retention and retrieval of knowledge, which is proving effective, as evidenced by Year 6 pupils' ability to explain complex concepts. The training provided to staff has been instrumental in the successful implementation of the new curriculum, particularly in mathematics, where leaders have delivered training over an extended period.
Pupils benefit from a variety of extra-curricular clubs, including yoga, cookery, multi-skills, rugby, and fencing, which enhance their learning experience. The school has high aspirations for all pupils, effectively identifying and meeting the needs of those with SEND and English language learners. The pastoral team actively seeks external support for students, and parents appreciate the school's efforts in this regard.
Behavior in the early years is exemplary, with children understanding and adhering to school rules and routines. Most pupils in key stages one and two also exhibit good behavior, with staff providing support for those who display challenging behavior. A new initiative aimed at helping pupils self-regulate their behavior has been well received.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges with attendance, as some pupils are persistently absent, hindering their learning and readiness for secondary education. The school is committed to working with parents to improve attendance and ensure all pupils benefit from the educational opportunities provided.
The school excels in promoting personal development, fostering respect and tolerance among pupils. Many students take on responsibilities within the school, contributing to a positive community atmosphere. The school effectively teaches pupils about safety in the community and promotes awareness of various career paths from an early age.
Leaders accurately evaluate the school's strengths and areas for development, considering the impact of new initiatives on staff well-being. The local governing board and trustees provide knowledgeable support and challenge to school leaders, ensuring thorough oversight of statutory responsibilities. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all pupils.