Greenside Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 January 2023

Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those in the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND (specially resourced provision), thrive at this warm and welcoming school. Staff work tirelessly to make sure that pupils feel safe, happy and well cared for. Leaders deal with any incidents of unkind behaviour or bullying swiftly and effectively. Leaders have the highest of aspirations, both in terms of pupils' behaviour and learning. Pupils strive to meet these high expectations. Pupils, including those in the specially resourced provision, show respect to adults and to each other. They are polite, well-mannered and eager to learn. Leaders and staff place a very high priority on pupils' mental health and well-being. The pastoral team members provide important support and guidance to pupils across the school. They are assisted by Cookie and Willow, the school therapy dogs, as well as Mr Poppy, the school tortoise, all of whom provide pupils with valuable emotional support. Leaders and staff maximise opportunities for pupils to engage with their wider community and to be active and responsible citizens. For example, pupils told inspectors about raising money for different charities and good causes.

What the school should improve

• Some teachers do not routinely check that pupils can read accurately and understand important vocabulary. This makes it harder for pupils to develop their confidence and understanding of what they have read. Leaders should make sure that staff check that pupils can read unfamiliar texts accurately and with understanding before moving on to more complex reading activities.
• A few pupils, particularly those in the early stages of learning to read, do not attend school often enough. This means that they regularly miss important learning. Leaders should check that the work that they are doing to support families with attendance issues has the impact that leaders intend, so that these pupils attend school regularly.
• Leaders have made some further refinements to some subjects. As the changes to these curriculums are relatively new, it is too soon to see the full impact. Leaders should make sure the adaptations to these curriculums help pupils to develop a strong body of knowledge so that pupils remember more and apply more over time.

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