Redesdale Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 February 2023

Pupils show care and respect for each other and their teachers. Teachers expect pupils to do their very best. Pupils trust their teachers and try hard to succeed. Pupils show good attitudes, behaviour, commitment and sportsmanship - their 'ABCs' which seem to be always on the tip of their tongues. Leaders award certificates each week for pupils who display the current 'PROUD' rule. For example, pupils learn about being open and honest. Pupils behave very well in lessons and when playing outside. Staff deal with small issues that pupils have so that they do not develop into bigger problems, like bullying. Older pupils become 'buddies' to younger pupils, helping with simple tasks at breaktimes. 'Sports leaders' organise and run games and activities each Friday for younger pupils. Older pupils' patience, kindness and good communication skills inspire the younger pupils. School councillors come up with ideas to improve the school. Pupils know the importance of good mental health. Staff teach pupils not to bottle up their emotions but instead, how to manage them. Pupils say that they are safe in school because teachers look after them. Pupils learn about staying safe online especially when gaming. They know that they should not communicate with someone they do not know.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, the key ideas that link substantive knowledge together lack clarity. Leaders have not identified some of the essential knowledge that pupils need to know and how pupils should demonstrate this at the end of each unit of work. Teachers are unclear on what pupils should remember. Some pupils have gaps in their knowledge. Leaders need to more precisely define the knowledge that pupils need to retain in each curriculum subject and ensure that teachers are using this to teach and assess.

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