Glendale Primary School (Prev. Wooler First School)

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 November 2022

Pupils are happy and love learning at this nurturing school. Leaders and teachers know their pupils very well and are determined to excite and engage every child in the school. Most parents agree there is a strong caring ethos. One parent said, 'They really do care about each individual.' Leaders make sure that pupils have a breadth of opportunities to learn. Pupils develop independence skills, both inside and outside the classroom. They enjoy learning in their outdoor classroom. All pupils, including the youngest, benefit from swimming lessons to help keep them safe in their local area. Pupils enjoy a wide range of activities to stimulate their love of learning, these include circus skills and yoga. Pupils play an important role in their local community. They raise money for charities and take part in community performances. Pupils feel safe and are well supported and listened to by staff. They enjoy their 'snack and chat' sessions with the headteacher.

What the school should improve

• Some older pupils lack the phonics knowledge necessary to read with fluency. Teachers do not provide the support these pupils need to catch up quickly. Leaders should ensure that all staff have training they need to plan the necessary support for these pupils.
• Some subject leaders do not monitor their subjects effectively. As a result, they do not have an accurate view of how well pupils are learning the key subject knowledge and vocabulary. Senior leaders should continue to develop subject leaders' expertise, so that they understand how well their subject is being implemented.

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