Ofsted praise for Newcastle school

Pupils and families feel welcome and valued at a Newcastle primary school which is ambitious for its children, says a recent Ofsted report.

St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, Denton Burn, has been rated ‘good’ across the board in the report published recently (May 10).

“Staff look after pupils well. They respond to pupils’ needs effectively. Pupils trust staff to help them with their problems. This contributes to pupils feeling safe and happy,” the report says.

The school, a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, has 210 pupils aged from four to 11 and became an academy school in April 2021.

 “We are delighted that St Bede’s continues to be a good school and the report highlighted some of the hard work and commitment of our staff, pupils and families,”said Headteacher Mrs Leigh-anne Young.

“Our ambitious expectations for all our children start from the first day they are with us, and everyone is proud of their high attendance level and the way they thrive when given responsibilities,” she added.

The report says the school accurately identifies the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and leaders understand that support plans need precise information.

The inspector also noted that a high proportion of the pupils speak English as a second language and many pupils and their families ‘face wider challenges in everyday life.’

“The school’s work to enhance pupils’ personal development is strong. Pupils enjoy learning about different faiths and cultures. The school provides opportunities for pupils to care for their community through ‘Mini Vinnies’ a group of pupils who meet regularly to plan activities they can undertake as part of their role in helping others,” notes the inspector.

Children also benefit from a range of clubs and experiences, everything from badminton to gardening and breakfast clubs.

The school has revised its curriculum recently and it sets out knowledge and vocabulary that pupils must learn from reception to Year 6. The impact of the changes for art and design are already evident, the report notes.

“Pupils learn to read confidently and fluently as they progress through the school. This includes pupils with SEND. The school’s programme for teaching phonics is taught consistently well. Pupils’ knowledge of phonics is carefully assessed to identify any gaps as they learn to read,” it says.