South Shields primary school told it needs to do better

The education watchdogs rated Ashley Primary School in Temple Park Road, South Shields, as requiring improvements.

Inspectors said although the early years provision and personal development, behaviour and welfare of children at the school are good, overall it requires improvement.

This is a blow for the primary, which was previously rated as good following the previous inspection in May 2014.

In their report following the latest inspection, which was carried out last month, inspectors said: “Outcomes are not yet good. Although progress is improving, pupils do not make consistently strong progress in all subjects.

“Reading outcomes in key stage two require improvement.

“Pupils’ progress has been consistently below that seen nationally over time and variability remains in the quality of teaching.”

The inspectors went on to say that the progress of disadvantaged pupils has been slower than that of other pupils nationally.

They said although differences are diminishing, they are not doing so rapidly enough.

Inspectors said assessment systems at the school do not provide senior leaders and governors with clarity about pupils’ progress over time and sometimes lack the information to identify issues of concern quickly enough.

The report said: “Senior and middle leaders do not have an accurate picture of some strengths and weaknesses in teaching and learning across different classes and year groups.”

However, the inspectors noted that the school has a number of strengths, including leaders setting clear expectations and commitment to supporting pupils’ personal development and well-being.

They said: “This drives the ethos of the school and is supported by strong and trusting relationships between staff and pupils.”

Adding: “Pupils are polite, considerate and well behaved. They are keen to learn and apply themselves well in lessons.

“Children make good progress across early years. The specially resourced provision in the early years foundation stage helps children make rapid progress due to exemplary provision and practice.”
Inspectors said to improve the situation, the school needs to improve the consistency and effectiveness of teaching and learning so that pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, make better progress.

They say it als needs to improve some aspects of the leadership and management of the school.