Springwell Village Primary School, located on Westfield Crescent in Springwell, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE9 7RX, underwent a comprehensive inspection on 7 and 8 February 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good.
The school has established a robust educational framework with an ambitious and well-structured curriculum. Recent developments in subjects such as history, art, and computing have focused on the sequence of content delivery, allowing pupils to build on their existing knowledge effectively. Teachers are encouraged to revisit previous lessons to reinforce learning, although there is still work to be done to ensure all staff are fully equipped to deliver the curriculum consistently.
Pupils at the school exhibit exemplary behavior, contributing to a calm and orderly school environment. They demonstrate respect towards adults and each other, fostering strong relationships with their teachers. The school promotes positive attitudes towards learning, significantly aiding pupil achievement.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum at the school is well-designed, teaching pupils about inclusion, diversity, and healthy relationships. Assemblies reinforce the school's values, helping pupils develop confidence and articulate their thoughts effectively.
The leadership team has a clear vision for the school and is committed to continuous improvement. Trustees and governors actively support the school, ensuring that leaders are held accountable for their actions. Staff feel supported in their roles, with leaders being considerate of their workload and well-being.
While the early years curriculum provides care and nurturing, it requires improvement. Leaders have not prioritized this area sufficiently, resulting in missed opportunities for children to develop essential knowledge and skills. Staff need clearer guidance on content delivery to enhance children's learning experiences.
Safeguarding measures at the school are effective, with all staff receiving up-to-date training. Regular updates ensure that staff are aware of procedures to keep pupils safe, and any concerns are addressed promptly.
Areas for improvement identified include the need for leaders to regularly assess the impact of the new curriculum across all year groups, particularly in early years, to ensure that it meets the needs of all pupils. A review of the early years curriculum is also necessary to provide staff with clear guidance on essential knowledge and skills to be taught, ensuring that children receive adequate support for their future learning.
In conclusion, Springwell Village Primary School has made significant strides in providing a quality education, with strong leadership and a positive school culture. However, attention to the early years curriculum and ongoing monitoring of educational practices will be crucial for continued success. The school's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is evident, and with targeted improvements, it is well-positioned for future growth.
For more information, visit the school's website at www.springwellvillageprimaryschool.co.uk.