Egglescliffe Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 12 and 13, 2022. The school fosters an environment where pupils thrive, characterized by strong relationships between teachers and students. Teachers maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, contributing to a calm and purposeful learning atmosphere. Incidents of bullying are reported as rare, and pupils feel safe and supported. They express positive sentiments towards their teachers, with parents echoing these views, highlighting the school's role in supporting both academic and social development.
The curriculum has undergone recent changes that have elevated expectations for pupil achievement. School leaders ensure that the curriculum addresses important issues such as diversity and equality, providing pupils with opportunities to engage with these topics. Older pupils take on various roles within the school, serving as role models and mentors for younger students. They take pride in their responsibilities, such as sports leadership and elected positions, which allow them to contribute to the school community.
Leadership changes have led to a renewed focus on curriculum development, with effective support from the trust. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has made rapid improvements in subjects like reading and mathematics. Staff members commend the leadership for managing this transition while considering their workload. Reading has been prioritized, with all staff receiving training to implement the chosen phonics program effectively. This has resulted in teachers demonstrating strong phonics knowledge, enabling them to support pupils in their reading journey.
In the early years, phonics instruction begins as soon as children start school, with engaging activities that promote letter sound recognition. The mathematics curriculum builds on prior learning, providing regular opportunities for pupils to recap and reinforce their understanding. However, while subjects like art have a well-sequenced curriculum, geography requires further development to ensure it builds on previous knowledge effectively. Assessments in subjects beyond English and mathematics need refinement to accurately reflect pupils' understanding.
The school is proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Support plans are clear, and nurture groups are available for those with social and emotional needs. Pupils benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities that promote mental health and well-being, including yoga and gardening. The school also provides a prayer space for reflection, welcoming pupils of all faiths.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with thorough checks on adults working with children and staff trained to recognize and address potential issues. The school emphasizes online safety and follows up on pupil absences promptly. Areas for improvement include refining the geography curriculum to ensure it builds on prior knowledge and enhancing assessments in subjects like art and design technology to provide a comprehensive understanding of pupils' skills and knowledge. Overall, Egglescliffe Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
