Otterburn Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 December 2022

Otterburn's 'blossom tree' epitomises the school's happy atmosphere. Teachers select pupils who have worked hard to have their name on a piece of 'blossom' attached to the tree. Pupils select a friend who has acted kindly to be a 'leaf'. Pupils show pride in this being a welcoming school for new pupils. Pupils show respect for their friends and teachers. Assemblies celebrate the school values such as respect and diversity. Pupils know it is 'okay to be different'. Teachers expect pupils to work hard, and they do. Pupils aspire to great things. Behaviour in and out of class is good. Pupils take pride in staying on the 'green light' of the behaviour system and they know what happens if they move on to a 'red light'. This hardly ever happens. Pupils cannot recall any episodes of bullying. They know that teachers will intervene if there was any bullying. Pupils feel safe because they trust each other and their teachers. Pupils display a competitive edge. They enjoy showing this in games like tag rugby. Pupils vie to win the weekly house points trophy. They strive to be pupil of the week. Older pupils speak enthusiastically about their outdoor learning, including sitting around a firepit to toast marshmallows. Pupils help to make the school run smoothly. 'Sports leaders' set out equipment and play games with younger pupils at break and lunchtimes. The 'pupil parliament' suggests improvements such as new playground equipment. It organises coffee mornings to raise money for good causes.

What the school should improve

• The school's curriculum is not yet sufficiently well planned and sequenced in some curriculum subjects. In these subjects, the main ideas that link substantive knowledge together lack clarity. Pupils are unable to connect learning or build on what they already know. Leaders must continue their work on curriculum structure so that pupils know more, can do more and remember more in every subject.
• Children in the early years have too limited opportunities for physical development throughout the environment. This is hindering the development of their fine and gross motor skills. Leaders should ensure that there are more regular, and planned, opportunities for children in the early years to access activities that help them to develop physically, including when they are outside.

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