South Hylton Primary Academy

Overview

South Hylton Primary Academy is an inclusive school where pupils feel safe and benefit from positive relationships with staff. The report describes a "calm, orderly and respectful environment" where pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes to learning" and achieve in line with national averages. Leaders have implemented robust systems to support attendance and behaviour, creating a culture where staff "know, support and care for pupils."

Strengths

• The curriculum is "ambitious, broad and balanced," with teachers demonstrating "secure subject knowledge" and effectively checking pupils’ understanding.
• Phonics and early reading are taught well, with recent improvements in phonics and multiplication checks.
• Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, using strategies such as "retrieval tasks and paired work."
• Personal development is promoted through a comprehensive programme, including the 'South Hylton Academy Passport' for enrichment activities.
• Governance is robust, with trustees providing "appropriate support and challenge" and prioritising staff wellbeing.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure pupils receive "effective and timely support to improve their writing," as errors persist into key stage 2 and support does not sufficiently address gaps.
• Leaders should continue to develop work to improve pupils' attendance, particularly for the most disadvantaged pupils, as absence rates remain above the national average.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.