Newton Bluecoat Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 November 2022

Parents and carers typically said that their children thrive in this caring school. Pupils also said that they are happy. They told the inspector that they enjoy being part of this learning community. Pupils explained that the warm and nurturing environment that staff create helps them to feel safe. Pupils are kind to each other. They are keen to help those people in their local community and beyond who need extra support. For example, pupils donate food from the harvest festival to local food banks. Staff help pupils, and children in the early years, to develop into respectful and responsible citizens who are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils develop an appreciation of people's differences. Leaders expect pupils to behave well. Lessons are calm, and rarely disrupted by poor behaviour. Pupils play happily with their friends in the playground. They are polite and courteous towards adults. Leaders make sure that pupils know that all forms of bullying are unacceptable. They act quickly to put a stop to bullying and name-calling if they ever happen. Leaders are ambitious for what all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), can and should achieve. Pupils achieve well. Children in the early years are well prepared for the demands of Year 1. Well-planned visits to places of interest bring pupils' learning to life. For example, pupils participate in visits to the Lake District and the Museum of Liverpool to support their learning in history, geography and science. The variety of activities on offer in after- school clubs allows pupils to develop their wider interests and talents.

What the school should improve

• In one or two subjects, leaders have not finalised the curriculum. This means that, on occasion, some teachers are not clear about precisely what should be taught and in what order. This prevents some pupils from learning all that they could. Leaders should ensure that these curriculums are finalised so that teachers know exactly what to teach.
• Some teachers are new to their subject leader roles. Some do not have all the subject knowledge that they need to be able to lead their curriculum areas effectively. This limits the level of support that they can offer to teachers to improve the delivery of the curriculum. Leaders should ensure that all subject leaders have the training that they need to lead their areas of responsibility successfully.

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