High Coniscliffe CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 July 2022

This is a caring, nurturing school. Pupils and parents describe it as being part of a family. Pupils are happy. They feel safe and are well looked after by staff. Leaders and staff aim for all pupils to achieve well. From starting in Reception, teachers ensure that the fundamentals in reading, writing and mathematics are well taught. They check carefully that pupils are progressing in these subjects. In other subjects, leaders have planned for pupils to gain key knowledge and skills in interesting ways. Leaders have not yet finished revisions to planning for some subjects. They have clear plans to introduce further improvements. Pupils behave very well. They are kind to one another. Playtimes and lunchtimes are friendly and sociable. Pupils say that bullying is rare. If it does happen, they are confident that staff will resolve it quickly. Leaders and staff do not tolerate any bullying. Parents hold incredibly positive views of the school. They find leaders and staff to be approachable and supportive. Parents appreciate the activities the school provides beyond the school day. This includes a range of sports and drama clubs. Parents believe that their children grow in confidence from starting in Reception through to Year 6.

What the school should improve

• The school's curriculum is not yet sufficiently well planned and sequenced in some subjects. However, it is clear from leaders' actions that they are in the process of bringing this about. Leaders need to complete the process of reviewing the curriculum in all subjects within their identified timescale. For this reason, the transitional arrangements have been applied.
• Leaders have not fully developed assessment approaches in some subjects. This makes it difficult for staff to identify if pupils have a secure understanding of the knowledge and skills taught. Leaders need to continue with their planned development of suitable and manageable assessments.
• Senior leaders have not completed their plans for developing subject leadership. At present, senior leaders provide subject leadership in most curriculum areas. This constrains the opportunity for improving subjects. Leaders should continue to implement th0eir plans to train and develop subject leaders.

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