Belsay Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 December 2023

Pupils thrive in this friendly and caring school. Children from Reception to pupils in Year 6 arrive on time each morning with enthusiasm and ready to learn. Pupils appreciate the staff who are there to help them with any problems. This helps pupils to feel safe. Pupils benefit from a broad curriculum. The school has high expectations of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Through the school's 'global curriculum', pupils enjoy discussing and debating local and worldwide issues. Reading is at the heart of the school's curriculum. Pupils practise reading often. As a result, pupils read well across all subjects. Pupils show high levels of respect towards each other and the staff who care for them. In Reception, children learn to listen carefully to staff. Pupils of all ages play well together. Older pupils enjoy helping younger pupils, for example during lunchtime. 'Collaboration' is the school's value for December. During lessons, pupils behave well. They collaborate by sharing ideas and ways of working. Pupils benefit from a range of opportunities to support their development. For example, pupils enjoy learning how to maintain an active lifestyle through activities such as dance, which is led by the trust's primary physical education (PE) specialist. Music tuition is popular. Pupils enjoy performing together in a band. Last year, older pupils visited Paris and St Omer as part of the school's work to develop well-rounded citizens.

What the school should improve

• In some mathematics sessions, the checks on pupils' learning are less effective than in other subjects. Where this is the case, teaching is not adapted quickly and precisely enough to address any misconceptions and secure pupils' understanding. The school should ensure staff have the expertise they need to be able to swiftly identify pupils' gaps in knowledge and then adapt teaching approaches accordingly.
• In some foundation subjects, the school does not know how well pupils are remembering the curriculum long term. This makes it difficult to see where learning needs to be adapted to support pupils to remember more. The school should ensure it provides subject leaders with the expertise they need to continue to improve the quality of education in their subjects.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)