Murdishaw West Primary and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 March 2023

Pupils, including children in the early years, enjoy attending Murdishaw West Community Primary School. They are proud of their school. Pupils appreciate the high expectations that leaders have of their behaviour and achievements. For example, staff greet pupils at classroom doors and check that they are ready for learning. Pupils comment that staff will help them if they have any worries. Pupils feel happy and safe at school. Pupils behave well in lessons, breaktimes and when moving around the school. Most pupils try hard and take pride in their work. They enjoy the activities that leaders and staff provide for them at lunchtimes. Pupils comment that staff deal with rare incidents of bullying quickly and effectively. Leaders have high aspirations for pupils. Pupils value learning. They benefit from a well-thought-out curriculum. This motivates pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to succeed. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Pupils spoke enthusiastically about the variety of experiences they have. For instance, they eagerly recounted trips that they go on and activities led by visitors to the school. Older pupils relish taking on responsibilities. School councillors make a positive difference to supporting pupils' well-being, such as by setting up quiet areas for pupils who are upset or need time to think. Reading ambassadors enthusiastically promote reading in the school and enjoy reading with younger pupils.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, teachers do not use assessment strategies as effectively as they should to check how well pupils have followed the curriculum. As a result, on occasion, some pupils develop gaps in their knowledge. Leaders should ensure that teachers are fully equipped to check that pupils' prior learning is secure before introducing new knowledge and concepts.
• Too often, some pupils arrive to school late. This sometimes results in them missing important parts of the curriculum. Leaders should improve pupils' punctuality so that these pupils can make the most of the opportunities that the school has to offer.

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