Kingston Park Primary School, located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 22-23, 2019. The school provides a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. They exhibit good behavior both in lessons and during breaks, with minimal incidents of bullying. When bullying does occur, school leaders address it promptly and effectively, ensuring that it is resolved. The teaching staff maintain high expectations for all students, fostering a sense of pride in their work. Each summer, the school hosts an exhibition to showcase pupils' learning, inviting parents, governors, and community members to participate.
The leadership team has identified the need to enhance the curriculum, prioritizing this development for the current academic year. Teachers are organized into curriculum teams to collaborate on improvements, with a focus on ensuring that pupils retain knowledge over the long term. The school is inclusive, welcoming students with complex physical and medical needs, and promoting a culture of care and support among all pupils. Parents appreciate the school's commitment to inclusivity, with one parent highlighting the exceptional support for students with special educational needs and disabilities.
In terms of academic performance, most pupils meet the expected standards for their age, with many Year 6 students exceeding these benchmarks. While a majority of pupils enjoy reading, some struggle to keep pace with their peers. The reading program for these students lacks a clear progression in phonics knowledge, resulting in some pupils in Year 2 and Year 3 reading books intended for younger children. This gap in reading proficiency indicates a need for improved sequencing in the reading curriculum.
The early years, particularly Nursery and Reception, provide a strong foundation for learning. Children engage well in play and cooperative activities, with teachers effectively supporting their early reading development. However, some children are not progressing quickly enough in their reading skills. The school has established a strong culture of safety and security, with pupils demonstrating good behavior that does not disrupt learning.
Leaders are committed to developing pupils' social skills and fostering an understanding of diversity. Pupils learn to treat each other with respect and fairness, which is reinforced through daily interactions. The leadership team is focused on ensuring that the curriculum is of the highest quality for every child, and they have made significant strides in this area.
Despite these strengths, some pupils struggle to retain knowledge in subjects like history and music. The curriculum plans cover essential content, but leaders have not yet pinpointed the most critical information that students should remember long-term. This oversight affects pupils' ability to recall important concepts and facts. The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with a strong culture of safety and regular training for staff and governors.
To improve, the school must ensure that the most important content in each subject is identified and revisited regularly. This will help pupils retain knowledge over time. Additionally, for struggling readers, it is crucial to provide books that align with their phonics knowledge and to offer ample practice opportunities to build fluency and confidence. Overall, Kingston Park Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment, with clear areas for growth to enhance educational outcomes for all students.
