Dubmire Primary School, located in Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear, was inspected on September 25 and 26, 2019. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. This was the first inspection for the school since it had not been previously inspected.
Pupils at Dubmire Primary School express pride in their vibrant and welcoming environment. They feel cared for by their teachers, who set high expectations for their academic performance. This supportive atmosphere contributes to pupils feeling happy and safe, leading to commendable achievements across various subjects. The school promotes values of tolerance and respect, with pupils demonstrating good behavior and an understanding of the importance of adhering to school rules. They appreciate the fairness of their teachers in managing conduct and addressing any misbehavior.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being eco warriors or members of the school parliament, and they take these roles seriously. They have actively participated in initiatives to reduce plastic use within the school. The school offers a variety of cultural experiences, including trips to Paris and London, as well as outdoor sports and skiing during residential visits. After-school sports clubs and a breakfast club further enhance the pupils' school experience. Reports of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident that any incidents will be addressed promptly by adults.
The new headteacher has quickly gained the respect of pupils, staff, and parents. Under her leadership, the school has fostered a climate where pupils feel confident and achieve well. Educational visits and activities complement the academic curriculum, broadening pupils' perspectives on the world and its diverse cultures. Leaders have made significant improvements to the quality of education, reviewing subject plans to ensure effective delivery. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and help pupils make connections between their learning, which is evident in subjects like mathematics and English.
In the early years, children settle well and enjoy outdoor learning experiences. However, some children enter Nursery with communication skills below the expected level for their age. While adults support children in the Reception class to catch up quickly, there is a need for more effective strategies in Nursery to enhance language development during play. The school is committed to ensuring that every pupil learns to read, with effective phonics teaching in place.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Pupils struggle to retain new vocabulary introduced by teachers, indicating a need for better planning to revisit and reinforce this vocabulary. Additionally, the curriculum does not adequately address the spelling of words that cannot be phonetically sounded out, particularly for pupils with special educational needs. Leaders must ensure that effective strategies are implemented to support all pupils in mastering common exception words.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to recognize and address potential risks. The school community views safeguarding as a collective responsibility, ensuring that pupils learn how to stay safe. Overall, Dubmire Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience, with a clear vision for continuous improvement.
