Bankfields Primary School, located in Eston, Middlesbrough, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on January 25 and 26, 2022. The school has demonstrated effectiveness across various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005, marking this as a significant evaluation of its performance.
Pupils at Bankfields Primary School express happiness and satisfaction with their school experience. They report respectful relationships with teachers, who are described as kind and fair. The school has implemented a highly ambitious curriculum, with a strong emphasis on reading, which has resulted in most pupils becoming confident and fluent readers. The school has established a clear understanding of bullying among pupils, who note that incidents are rare. This perception is supported by the school's behavior records and observations made during the inspection. Teachers actively listen to pupils' concerns, and the use of worry boxes allows students to express any issues they may have, ensuring that these concerns are addressed regularly.
The staff at Bankfields Primary School maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, providing support for those who struggle with emotional management. Trained staff assist pupils in managing anxieties, and initiatives like Mindfulness Mondays help students transition back into school routines after weekends. This focus on mental well-being contributes to a positive learning environment where pupils are engaged and focused on their studies. The school encourages pupils to take on various responsibilities, such as prefects and sports leaders, fostering a sense of contribution to the school community.
Leaders at the school are ambitious for all pupils and have developed a curriculum that aims to raise aspirations and provide memorable experiences. The trust associated with the school supports professional development for teachers and leaders, promoting the sharing of effective practices. Staff express pride in their work at Bankfields and appreciate the consideration given to their workload by school leaders. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted school visits, trustees and governors maintain a strong understanding of the school's operations and provide appropriate challenges to leadership.
The phonics program chosen by leaders is new, and while staff have received training, the implementation has faced delays due to the pandemic. Teachers regularly assess pupils' phonics knowledge, and the reading materials provided align with the sounds being taught. Adjustments to the assessment process for phonics will further enhance the matching of reading materials to pupils' needs. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities benefit from targeted support, including small-group work and one-on-one reading sessions.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, allowing teachers to present concepts logically, building on prior knowledge. This approach has led to good progress among pupils, who demonstrate confidence in their mathematical abilities. Pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support, ensuring they can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.
In subjects like computing and science, the sequencing of learning is carefully considered, enabling pupils to articulate their understanding effectively. However, in history, the ambitious key concepts introduced may be too challenging for pupils who lack the necessary prior knowledge. The history curriculum has not fully accounted for learning disruptions caused by the pandemic, leading to gaps in understanding. Leaders are revising assessment methods to ensure they accurately reflect pupils' skills and knowledge across all subjects.
In the early years, children learn in a well-organized and engaging environment, with trained adults facilitating their development through challenging questions and a curriculum centered around books. This approach enhances children's language skills and prepares them for future learning. Pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of British values, which are integrated into the school's personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum. The school prioritizes pupils' physical and mental health, encouraging active participation in daily activities and extracurricular clubs.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bankfields Primary School are effective, with all staff receiving mandatory training and regular updates on procedures. Leaders are skilled in identifying pupils who require additional support and collaborate with various agencies to provide necessary assistance. While minor defects in safeguarding processes were identified during the inspection, these were promptly addressed.
Overall, Bankfields Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and ambitious learning environment for its pupils. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
