Middleton Primary and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 February 2023

The school's values of, 'I always do my best. We are honest, kind and respectful. We care for our school, our community and our world', are truly lived out at Middleton School. Pupils know these values well. They have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities. One parent spoke for many parents and carers when they commented, 'The school develops the whole child. The focus on civic duties, rights and responsibilities is impressive.' Pupils say they feel safe and happy. They know they can share any worries they may have with an adult. Bullying is rare. Pupils appreciate the pupil 'defenders.' They know the well- being ambassadors will support them. Pupils value that staff care about their welfare. Pupils behave well around the school. They are polite and considerate of one another. Disruption in lessons is very rare. Pupils value their learning and know it is important. They are respectful to adults, and adults are respectful to them. Expectations of pupils are high. Pupils relish their learning. They especially enjoy the 'green star' challenges. They appreciate the additional support they get from the well- trained adults who help them to catch up. Pupils achieve well at the end of key stage 2. They are well prepared for their next stage in education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have identified the key knowledge pupils need to learn in most subjects but not all. Teachers do not always pinpoint the precise knowledge that pupils should learn. Sometimes, pupils' prior learning is not built on appropriately. Leaders must identify the key knowledge that pupils will learn across all the subjects. Leaders must ensure that pupils' previous learning is built on appropriately.
• Leaders have recognised the importance of ensuring that pupils remember long term the knowledge they acquire. Leaders make sure that retrieval is a part of every lesson. However, some teachers do not identify the precise knowledge that pupils need to remember. This reduces the impact that retrieval strategies have on pupils' learning. Leaders must ensure that teachers accurately identify the key knowledge that pupils should remember long term. They should check that the retrieval strategies used in lessons are effective.

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