School leaders and governors ensure outstanding behaviours, attitudes and personal development in a Durham primary school, Ofsted inspectors have said.
They concluded that pupils at St Peter’s Elwick Church of England Primary School in Hartlepool benefit from an “exceptional” curriculum that prepares them well for life and they learn to do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
Ofsted awarded the school, which is part of the Northern Lights Learning Trust, a 'good' rating with outstanding qualities. St Peter’s was judged to be outstanding in behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management with overall effectiveness as good.
“Pupils are proud to attend St Peter’s Elwick and to be part of the school family,” said inspectors in their report. “From the very beginning, pupils learn how to behave and show respect for others. Pupils behave well all the time. They are very well supported by adults and older pupils are strong role models.”
From being deputy head, Vikki Wilson moved up to become head of school in September 2022 and paid tribute to the foundations of success laid before her appointment. “It’s credit to a team of dedicated people – and our amazing children – that our school is in such a good position and we are all thrilled by such a positive inspection report,” she said.
The report noted that behaviour is “exemplary”. Staff at the school model high expectations and notice when pupils make the right choice and pupils learn to be polite and courteous as a result. Staff feel valued and supported through highly effective leadership from the headteacher and from well-informed, co-ordinated support from the trust.
Leaders are determined to ensure that the curriculum is ambitious and relevant for all pupils. They make excellent use of research, expert advice and best practice to ensure that this is the case. Wherever possible, learning is underpinned by practical experiences, trips and visitors. This helps pupils to engage with and enjoy their education. Pupils often talk about what they have learned through such activities.
The curriculum to promote pupils’ personal development is exceptional, said the report. Leaders go above and beyond to ensure that all pupils are able to participate in curricular and extra-curricular activities which foster their talents and interests. Pupils are taught to debate and explore different points of view. By the time they leave the school, pupils have a highly developed understanding of equality and democracy. From the early years onwards, pupils are guided to learn the knowledge and skills to become successful citizens in modern-day Britain.
Inspectors said specific resources are available to meet the particular needs of pupils. Leaders place reading at the heart of the curriculum. A well-chosen range of books support pupils to make connections between aspects of their learning and to learn about the wider world. Pupils value and enjoy reading.
“Congratulations to the children, staff and governors at St Peter’s Elwick Church of England Primary School for a fantastic Ofsted report,” said Jo Heaton, Chief Executive of Northern Lights Learning Trust. “It’s great when the hard work of so many is recognised and rewarded with a result that is just so well deserved.”
Executive headteacher, Carole Bradley, said: “I am extremely proud to be the executive head of St. Peter’s. I get the opportunity to work with amazing, committed staff and wonderfully confident pupils, as recognised by Ofsted.”