George Dixon Primary School

Overview

The inspection concludes that the school “requires significant improvement” because it is “performing significantly less well than it might in all the circumstances reasonably be expected to perform.” While recently appointed leaders have introduced stability and actions that are “starting to show some success,” the report states it is “too soon to see the full impact of this work.”

Strengths

• Safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” ensuring pupils “feel safe.”
• Behaviour is generally positive; the environment is “orderly,” pupils behave in a “calm manner,” and relationships are “respectful and kind.”
• Pastoral care is “effective” and valued by parents, helping to “reduce barriers to pupils’ learning.”
• Teaching of phonics is “now taught more effectively” following recent staff training.
• The interim executive board provides “appropriate challenge” and works closely with leaders to improve governance.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure staff expertise is developed so the curriculum is “delivered as intended,” particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Leaders should address “gaps in pupils' knowledge and skills” so achievement improves for all groups, including disadvantaged pupils.
• Leaders must ensure the whole curriculum, including personal development, “matches the needs of pupils” and that persistent absence reduces.

Safeguarding

The report confirms that “safeguarding standards are met,” noting that leaders have established an open culture where concerns are “actively identified, acted upon and managed,” resulting in pupils being “made safer and feel safe.”