Bullion Lane Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 March 2024

Pupils benefit from a strong curriculum in reading, writing and mathematics. They achieve well. This prepares them effectively for the next stage in their education. Pupils enjoy coming to school. They show an enthusiasm for learning. The atmosphere in school is welcoming and inclusive. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are particularly well supported to learn and achieve alongside their peers. This reflects the high aspiration that the school has for all its pupils. Pupils enjoy warm and supportive relationships with their teachers and other adults in school. They are comfortable sharing any worries or concerns that they may have. Pupils understand and follow the 'golden rules' for good behaviour, such as kindness and respect. Sometimes, there is unkind behaviour in school and pupils may occasionally fall out with each other. However, pupils say that teachers help them to resolve things. There is an exciting programme of enrichment activities available to pupils. The school has a swimming pool on site. Every pupil has the opportunity to learn to swim and become proficient in water safety. Pupils also take part in regular school productions and sports festivals. They take part in ten-pin bowling, along with a range of other opportunities. Pupils also consolidate their learning outside the classroom through visits to places, such as Beamish Museum and Durham Cathedral.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, the resources and activity choices are not matched carefully enough to the important knowledge that the school wants pupils to learn. This means that pupils are not remembering the curriculum in the long term. The school should match activity choices and resources to focus precisely on the required key knowledge and skills so that pupils learn the intended curriculum and can recall this over time.
• Some pupils do not attend school as often as they should. This means that they are missing out on important learning and personal development that will help them in the next stage of their education. The school should maintain their focus on applying consistent systems and strategies to support the high attendance of all pupils.

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