North Denes Primary School and Nursery

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 January 2023

North Denes Primary is a warm and welcoming place. Pupils treat each other well. They have positive relationships with staff. Pupils trust staff to notice if they are upset or worried. They know that staff will help them if they have any worries or concerns. Pupils know and understand the school's motto of 'CARE'. Pupils learn about different faiths and accept that others may have different opinions to their own. Pupils understand that families are represented in different ways and that this does not make any family less important. Pupils demonstrate tolerance and respect. Pupils respond positively to the clear routines and expectations for their behaviour. Pupils expect each other to behave well. When learning, pupils consistently show high levels of concentration. They work hard to stay 'green' and appreciate the opportunity to gain 'gold' for examples of exceptional effort. Pupils are confident that if bullying or falling out were to occur, staff would sort this out quickly. As a result, pupils feel safe in school. Older pupils enjoy the opportunities to take on roles of responsibility such as becoming 'digital leaders' or being awarded a 'gold tie' for their positive behaviour and contribution to school life.

What the school should improve

• In the Nursery provision, the curriculum is not yet sufficiently well planned and sequenced in some learning areas. However, it is clear from leaders' actions that they are in the process of bringing this about. Leaders need to continue to develop and implement a broad and well-ordered Nursery curriculum that supports children to have a rich and detailed understanding across all areas of learning. This will ensure that children are ready for the Reception class and beyond.
• A small number of pupils continue to be routinely absent. This results in these pupils having gaps in their learning and knowledge. Leaders should continue to work with pupils and their families to ensure that all pupils attend school as often as they can and achieve well.
• Governors do not have sufficient oversight of the school's curriculum. They rely too much on what leaders tell them. Governors should ensure there are clear and robust systems in place that check how well the curriculum helps pupils to learn successfully so that they can hold leaders to account more rigorously for the quality of education being provided.

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