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Overall effectiveness of the school
This is a good school which is well led and managed. It provides a happy, caring and safe environment in which pupils become successful and confident learners. The strong, effective leadership of the headteacher, deputy headteacher and governors accurately judges the school’s strengths and weaknesses. They know what needs to be done to bring about sustained improvement and so, since the last inspection, their drive for higher standards and achievement has been successful. As a result, the school has the confidence and respect of the local community. This is reflected in the increasing number of pupils attending from outside the immediate catchment area.
The majority of children start Nursery with levels of development that are below those that are typical for their ages. As a result of the good teaching, curriculum and care, most pupils achieve well and by Year 6, they are working at the expected levels in English, mathematics and science. Progress is especially good in Key Stage 2 where assessment systems are used very rigorously to track pupils’ progress and identify where additional help or challenge may be needed to ensure pupils reach their full potential. In Key Stage 1, assessment is not used effectively enough to ensure that all pupils achieve as well as they can. Information and communication technology (ICT) is used very effectively as a teaching and learning tool, for example, to encourage independent learning.
A high level of care ensures pupils learn in a warm but challenging environment. Parents of children with learning and behavioural difficulties are delighted that staff go the extra mile to ensure that their children are successfully nurtured in a supportive environment and are able to take advantage of all the school has to offer. Wrap-around care ensures that parents know their children are well cared for before and after school. For example, the school provides breakfast during the national test week to enhance each child’s concentration and to calm their nerves.
A good curriculum equips pupils with the tools to be successful and responsible members of the global community. A good emphasis is given to developing pupils’ basic skills of literacy, numeracy and ICT. Learning is enriched by the good use of visits, visitors, drama, music, sport, art and the learning of a modern foreign language.
Pupils enjoy school and their behaviour both in and out of class is good; school rules are seen as fair. Pupils show a very good understanding of how to stay healthy, keep themselves and others safe and become responsible, caring members of their school and community. The parents’ overwhelming confidence in the leadership and management of the school is very well placed. This is a good school; it provides good value for money and is well placed to improve further.
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