Middleton Primary School, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 16 and 17, 2022. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where staff maintain high expectations for pupils' attitudes and behavior. The learning environment is calm, allowing pupils to focus on their studies, and instances of bullying are extremely rare. Pupils feel confident in reporting any concerns regarding behavior, and staff effectively manage any behavioral issues that arise. During social times, pupils engage positively with one another, and staff actively foster relationships through interaction during play.
The school provides exceptional support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring that all students, including those with high levels of need, receive the assistance they require. In the early years, children are nurtured effectively, and strong relationships with parents and carers are established, which helps children start their educational journey positively. Staff support parents in understanding how to assist their children with reading, contributing to a collaborative approach to education.
Pupils at Middleton Primary School have numerous opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as serving as eco-warriors or house captains, which helps cultivate a supportive school atmosphere. The curriculum in core subjects, particularly mathematics, is well-structured, with knowledge broken down into manageable steps. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and assess pupils' learning carefully to identify any gaps. However, in some foundation subjects, such as history, the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn is not clearly defined by school leaders. There is a need for more detailed planning to ensure that all subjects are consistently addressed.
The school has invested in high-quality support for children with SEND, ensuring that they can access the same curriculum as their peers. Most pupils learn to read quickly, and those requiring additional support receive tailored interventions. A new reading scheme has been introduced, although some classes still need to establish more effective reading routines to ensure all pupils engage fully.
In the early years, children exhibit good manners and play well together. The curriculum is clear and detailed, preparing them effectively for Year 1. Teacher-led sessions are particularly effective, and staff work to build children's vocabulary and encourage them to articulate their thoughts using complete sentences.
The personal, social, and health education (PSHE) curriculum is well-planned, revisiting important knowledge about healthy relationships and safety. Pupils develop a strong sense of fairness and equality, although their understanding of world religions requires further development. Leaders are actively refining the curriculum to address this.
The school organizes a variety of educational visits that enhance pupils' learning experiences, including residential trips that help develop skills for the future. Governance is strong, with leaders utilizing the expertise of the trust to provide training and support for staff.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with strong relationships established with local families. Staff are vigilant in logging concerns and following up promptly. Recruitment checks ensure that all staff and visitors are appropriately vetted.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that the curriculum in some foundation subjects is broken down into clear steps, emphasizing the essential knowledge pupils should acquire. Overall, Middleton Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
