Curriculum concerns remain as leaders work to improve Leeds primary school - Ofsted report

New Bewerley Community School, located on Bismarck Drive, Beeston, received an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the areas of attendance and behaviour, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing during a recent Ofsted inspection.

Previously rated Requires Improvement in 2023, the school was told it still required improvement in the areas of achievement and curriculum and teaching.

Visiting the school on January 6, inspectors said: “Over time pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, have not achieved as well as other pupils nationally. This has been evident in outcomes at the end of key stage 2, the phonics screening check and the multiplication tables check.

“Leaders have started to take appropriate action to improve achievement. However, the improvements underway are not reflected in outcomes for pupils.”

Despite this, leaders at the school were praised for “highly effective” work being done to improve attendance. Overall attendance is close to national averages and improving, according to the report.

Inspectors described New Bewerley as a “highly inclusive school,” where the needs of vulnerable pupils are prioritised. The school provides education for higher than average proportions of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Governors and leaders work effectively together so that decisions “consistently prioritise pupils’ learning and wellbeing,” the report said. Leaders are said to have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths.

Focusing on areas that need improvement, the education watchdog added: “Inconsistencies in how well the curriculum is taught means that some pupils find it difficult to retrieve essential knowledge. Across the curriculum, assessment is not used effectively to identify and close gaps in knowledge for pupils.

“Leaders demonstrate a clear understanding of the need to improve the quality of the curriculum and teaching. They have effectively redesigned the curriculum since the last inspection.”

Despite this, the report praised leaders for having put in place a “well-sequenced curriculum” that sets out what early years children will learn. They have “clear and ambitious vision for early years,” and ensure that children get a sound start to their education.

Pupils build “resilience, confidence and motivation” as part of New Bewerley’s renewed personal development programme. They learn about staying safe on and offline, plus road safety and pedestrian training.