Blaydon West Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 December 2022

Pupils are proud of their school. Many say that they love coming to school. Staff are kind and welcoming, and this helps to make new pupils feel at home. Pupils feel safe because of security systems and knowing their teachers will look after them. Pupils are taught how to be safe outside of the school, for example how to use the pelican crossings. Pupils try to resolve any disputes themselves before any teacher involvement. Behaviour is good. Pupils understand the behaviour policy and the importance of following the rules. There are virtually no reported incidents of bullying. Relationships are strong across the school. Pupils show high levels of respect for adults and each other. Courtesy and good manners are the norm. Leaders and teachers make the school environment appealing for pupils. Pupils learn how to celebrate differences and have respect for all, including people of different races and religions. Pupils aspire to be the 'champion writer' of the week with their work displayed in the special gold frame outside the headteacher's office. Pupils aim high. They work hard and try their best because teachers expect them to. Pupils have ambitious career choices ranging from being an astronaut to a vet. The school is integral to its community. Pupils support charities such as for cancer support. They collect food for local foodbanks. The choir sings in all local care homes at Christmas.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects the essential knowledge pupils must learn at the end of a unit of work is not sharply defined. Pupils are unaware of the central ideas that thread through learning in these subjects. Leaders need to make sure that the curriculum is further refined and embedded so pupils develop a broad, memorable and detailed body of knowledge and skills across all areas of learning.

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