Inspectors visited the Northumberland Heath Primary, in Wheelock Close, on July 1 and 2, 2025.
While behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated good, the quality of education was judged to require improvement.
The school was previously judged good overall.
Inspectors added: “Relationships are warm and respectful.
“Pupils are confident to tell staff about any worries they may have and trust they will be dealt with swiftly.
“This helps to keep pupils safe.”
They found that pupils “typically behave well and work hard” because they understand the expectations and routines that have been put in place.
Inspectors also said: “Pupils readily take on additional responsibilities such as attendance ambassadors, dinner monitors, play buddies or as members of the junior leadership team.
“They are rightly proud of their achievements, including the development of ‘little libraries’ around the school.”
Reading was identified as a strength and “staff are well-trained to deliver the school’s chosen phonics programme.
“Books are typically well-matched to the sounds pupils know.
“This helps pupils to practise the sounds they need to learn in order to read more complex texts.”
They also noted that pupils and families had enjoyed a “recent bedtime story event” and that children benefitted from visits to the local library.
The curriculum was described as ambitious and well sequenced, but inconsistently taught.
Inspectors said: “Sometimes, the way in which teaching introduces new ideas lacks accuracy and precision.
“Similarly, checks on pupils’ learning do not sufficiently identify or address misconceptions.”
“They warned that this meant pupils did not always develop the depth of knowledge they need.
Provision for pupils with SEND was mixed.
The report explained that “the advice the school receives from external agencies is used well to ensure that pupils can access the same curriculum as their peers, where this is appropriate.
“Pupils with communication needs benefit from the school’s use of assistive technology.”
But they added: “Some pupils need a more bespoke curriculum.
“In these instances, the school does not use the information it has about pupils’ needs to design a well-sequenced curriculum.
“Consequently, although the school supports pupils’ social and emotional needs well, the academic curriculum is not as well thought through.”
Behaviour and attendance were praised and “around the school and in the playground, most pupils behave well.
“They are focused on their learning and get on well with their peers.
“This is because expectations are clear and typically consistent.
“The rate of suspensions has decreased significantly.”
They also reported that leaders were working closely with families to improve attendance, especially for those who had been persistently absent.
Inspectors said the school’s programme for personal development helps pupils understand how to stay healthy, both physically and emotionally, including when online, as well as how to celebrate diversity and challenge discrimination.
They pointed to workshops with local football clubs and the police, which gave children clear messages about bullying, kindness, stranger danger and the risks of gang affiliation.
Staff well-being was also highlighted as a strength.
Inspectors noted that “staff, including those at the start of their careers, feel very well supported to manage their workload” and that “leaders’ openness” and focus on well-being were recognised by the team.
In conclusion, inspectors warned: “The curriculum is not implemented with consistent precision.
As a result, pupils often do not secure the depth of knowledge and understanding they need to achieve well and be ready for the next stage of their education.”
They added: “The curriculum for some pupils with SEND is not well-designed.
In these instances, pupils complete a range of unconnected activities that do not support them to build their knowledge and understanding over time.”
Headteacher Ms D Indresano told the News Shopper: “We are pleased that the recent OFSTED inspection has recognised the many strengths of our school, including our pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, their personal development, the quality of our early years provision, and the strong leadership and management across the school.
“Inspectors also praised the happy, settled environment we have created, where pupils feel safe, supported and excited about their learning.
“While the quality of education was judged as requiring improvement, inspectors noted the clear improvements already underway.
“All of our staff and leaders are working hard as a team to ensure the educational success of all of our pupils is continuously improving.
“Our latest Key Stage 2 data outcomes confirm this progress, with pupils now achieving in line or above national benchmarks across reading, writing and maths.
“Alongside this, we are delighted that Northumberland Heath has been designated an Apple Distinguished School, reflecting our innovative approach to using technology to inspire creativity and achievement.
“We are proud of our pupils, our staff, and the whole school community. With the continued support of the community, we remain committed to ensuring every child thrives and achieves their very best at Northumberland Heath Primary.”
