Byker school retains a Good Ofsted report

Children at a Byker school rise to the high ambitions of the staff, and have strong relationships with them, according to a recent Ofsted report.

St Lawrence’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a ‘Good’ school and it offers a ‘warm and caring welcome when you walk through the door,’ the inspector noted.

Part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, pupils at the school have ‘calm and focused’ behaviour and their attitude is positive, matching the school motto of ‘Kindness, Tolerance, Respect,’ says the report.

“Pupils feel safe in school. They talk with enthusiasm about how staff and leaders make sure they do well. Leaders make sure that pupils access a wide range of educational experiences during their time in school,” it adds.

The school has 218 pupils aged from three to 11 and before it became an academy school in December 2020, was also judged by Ofsted to be ‘Good’.

“We are a friendly school and provide a learning environment where every child feels valued, which was very well reflected in the recent Ofsted report,” said Headteacher Paul Brown.

“The whole school and our wider community should be very proud, everyone works incredibly hard to ensure our children have the very best start to their education, and the report reflects our whole school ethos,” said Mr Brown.

Among areas highlighted by the Ofsted inspector was the wide range of educational experiences offered to the children.

“These opportunities are planned out to meet the individual needs of the pupils. The offer beyond the classroom is helping pupils get ready for the next steps in life. Through visits and special events, such as the celebration of languages day, pupils connect their new learning with existing knowledge. Pupils are proud to have responsible roles in the school, such as being a buddy to new pupils,” the report says.

“Leaders, staff and stakeholders know the school community exceptionally well. Leaders prioritise a curriculum offer to develop pupils’ understanding beyond the subject lessons they have. Pupils explain the dangers of vaping, unhealthy relationships and how to keep safe in the community with maturity.”

Staff are proud to work at the school and leaders consider both their wellbeing and workload when planning development, the inspector noted.

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