Peterlee school requires ‘urgent improvement’, Ofsted say

The inspection of Seascape Primary School, in Peterlee, found that pupils “do not achieve well.” 

The report raised concerns about the progress made by disadvantaged pupils, stating that it is “consistently well below that of other pupils nationally” and shows no signs of improvement.

A spokesperson from Seascape Primary School said: “We are aware of the outcome of the Ofsted inspection.

“Our safeguarding processes are robust and well established, and we are committed to doing all that we can to ensure our pupils have the best possible learning opportunities.” 

However, there are significant learning gaps for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities according to Ofsted.

Inspectors found that the school’s curriculum “has not prepared pupils for their next steps” and does not equip them with the knowledge needed.

The progress of pupils, particularly in “reading, writing and mathematics,” has not been prioritised by school leaders, and the “experiences in lessons are often ineffective”, the report said.

It also highlighted that some of the school’s improvement strategies have failed, where “a recently introduced approach to assessment has not supported staff to accurately assess what pupils know or identify gaps in pupils’ understanding.”

The inspection expresses concern about pupils’ future, suggesting that they “do not receive an acceptable standard of education” and “very few pupils achieve the standards expected at the end of key stages 1 and 2.”

Attendance at the school is also below national averages, the report explains.

Inspectors found that “until very recently, leaders have not taken effective action to improve pupils’ attendance.”

Inspectors did acknowledge that school leaders have started to improve behaviour standards, stating: “The school feels safe, calm, orderly and respectful.”

On the rare occasions when there is “discrimination or bullying,” staff “tackle it quickly and effectively.”

The spokesperson from Seascape Primary School added: Work has already begun to make the necessary changes in order to address the recommendations in the report.”

Read more:

The school has recently introduced a new curriculum to help improve the quality of education, but inspectors noted that “the overall impact of this new curriculum is limited” due to teaching weaknesses.

The future focus recommended for Seascape is on identifying the needs of pupils accurately, improving attendance, broadening pupils’ experiences, and developing a better understanding and respect for cultural diversity in modern Britain.

The governors have also been asked to carefully monitor the use of pupil premium funding to ensure that disadvantaged pupils benefit from this.