Ofsted Report 2007
Overall effectiveness of the school
Grade: 1
The school provides an outstanding education for its pupils. Outstanding leadership and management lead to the positive outcomes in the pupils' excellent achievement and exemplary personal development. This is a school which, very ably led and encouraged by the leadership team, caters exceptionally well for all pupils, including those with complex learning difficulties and/or disabilities. As a result, the progress of all groups of pupils is very impressive. From levels of attainment that are average on entry to the Reception year, pupils reach well above average standards in Year 6. The proportion reaching above the expected level in English, mathematics and science is very high. This high level of performance has been sustained over time and is confirmed in the most recent unvalidated test results in Year 6. It is achieved through excellent teaching, rigorous monitoring of how well pupils are doing and highly effective pastoral care. Pupils themselves understand what they must do to improve and the school encourages all pupils to be aspiring, by providing excellent role models in the frequent visitors invited to school who have excelled in their field. The high profile given to the professional development of staff, for example, to improve their teaching expertise and be innovative, means the school is always striving to improve.
Pupils enjoy school very much, behave exceptionally well and develop an excellent awareness of personal safety and how to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle. Their manners and politeness are exemplary. Levels of attendance are above average and pupils speak enthusiastically about lessons, particularly the themed weeks on topics such as
The care, guidance and support of all pupils are excellent. Staff and pupils have outstanding relationships that foster very positive attitudes to learning. The school has developed excellent procedures to keep track of pupils' achievement. Staff use the information very well to set challenging work for all pupils, whatever needs they may have. The school is rightly proud of its status as one resourced to take pupils with physical and medical needs, and parents value highly the education their children receive. Links with specialist agencies and facilities such as a horse riding school make an excellent contribution to the progress these pupils make. Parents appreciate especially how approachable all staff are and the way the school's leaders respond positively to suggestions.
The quality of teaching, learning and the curriculum is outstanding. Strengths of the teaching include high expectations for what pupils can achieve and excellent deployment of teaching and support staff according to pupils' need. As a result, the pupils learn exceptionally well. Information and communication technology (ICT) is used very well to stimulate pupils' interest. For example, staff use interactive whiteboards very effectively, including relevant video clips to enhance learning, and make reference to new technologies such as 'pod casts'. This is a significant improvement since the last inspection when the subject was an area for development. The curriculum has a richness that promotes the pupils' enjoyment of school exceptionally well, includes a modern foreign language in Key Stage 2 and has a strong emphasis on developing pupils' personal, social and health education and citizenship. Links between subjects are very well established and there is a wide range of events, educational trips and activities outside lessons. Pupils are proud of their success in tournaments, competitions and galas.
The headteacher, deputy headteacher and senior management team provide excellent leadership, encouraging curriculum leaders and those in charge of year groups to take responsibility for the work of their teams so that all feel a part of the management. The self-evaluation of the school is accurate and based on thorough monitoring, though the school has been a little cautious in some of its views. Governors are highly supportive, have an excellent understanding of the school's performance and challenge the school very well. Very effective steps have been taken since the last inspection to improve provision and standards in ICT and to develop the library. This illustrates its excellent capacity to maintain its quality and performance. The cost of educating a pupil at the school is in line with the average of all primary schools and because of the excellent outcomes and the support it provides for pupils with physical and medical needs, the school gives outstanding value for money. An appropriate summary of the views of the overwhelming majority of parents is: 'I only wish all children could attend such a well run school and I feel privileged that mine have had the chance to benefit.'
Effectiveness of the Foundation Stage
Grade: 1
The Foundation Stage is exceptionally well managed and has made good improvement since the last inspection, when there were shortcomings in the breadth of creative experiences available. The children are very well cared for and staff expectations for their progress are high. Children engage very well with their learning and make good progress including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, so that by the end of the year in the Reception classes, standards are in line with national expectations in all areas of learning and some children are working at higher levels. Staff plan the activities together very well to give children a broad and exciting curriculum. They interact with the children very well to promote speaking, listening and imaginative play. They make good use of the area outside the classrooms and the grounds around school, though at present there is no covered area for the children to work outside. This is planned for in the premises development plan. The arrangements for children to join the Reception classes from various private playgroups are very good and help parents and children to gain confidence as they move into school.
What the school should do to improve further
- There are no significant aspects for improvement. This outstanding school has an extremely clear view of how it can improve and there are no additional measures necessary beyond those given in the school improvement plan.