Newbald Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 June 2022

Newbald Primary School is a nurturing place where pupils' well-being is prioritised. Pupils say that they enjoy coming to school. Caring and respectful relationships between pupils and teachers give pupils the confidence to report any worries that they may have. As a result, pupils say that they feel safe and cared for. They describe their school as 'just like being at home, but bigger'. Adults have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and of what they will achieve. Pupils enjoy an exciting curriculum which motivates them to learn. Teachers introduce pupils to a wide range of interesting and exciting literature. This supports their understanding of wider-world issues, such as climate change. Older pupils take a real pride in caring for the younger children. They enjoy the opportunities they get to read with their young 'buddies'. Pupils say that bullying does not happen at their school. When arguments lead to pupils falling out, they say that adults help them to move on from their mistakes. Leaders' behaviour records support pupils' views. Pupils are given the opportunity to take lead roles in school. Whether they are a school councillor or part of the Fairtrade team, they carry out their roles diligently and with pride.

What the school should improve

• Pupils' understanding of different religions, beliefs and places of worship is underdeveloped. Pupils do not remember the religions that they have been taught. Leaders should review the way in which religious education is taught so that all pupils have a clear understanding of the many different religions that exist in modern Britain.
• Subject leaders have not monitored the impact of the many curriculum changes that have been made. As a result, the impact of leaders' actions to improve wider curriculum areas is not fully understood. Leaders with curriculum responsibilities should now make regular checks on their subject so that they are clear on the impact their actions are having.
• In subjects such as mathematics, teachers do not use their checks on pupils' knowledge to inform their plans with enough precision. Where pupils have gaps in their knowledge, this means that they are not always given the opportunities they need to revisit previous learning. Leaders should ensure that teachers make regular checks on pupils' understanding and adapt their teaching to reflect more accurately what pupils know and can do.

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