Childwall Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. 'And the child grew' is a most appropriate motto for this outstanding school where pupils flourish both emotionally and academically.

Attainment at the end of Year 6 in both English and mathematics has been consistently high for the past five years. Pupils of all abilities make excellent progress in English and mathematics. Many pupils achieve much better progress than is expected nationally, especially in English.

The achievement of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is outstanding. These pupils certainly benefit from the outreach work provided by the South Central Consortium. There is very little differenc...e in attainment between pupils eligible for free school meals and other pupils.

Both groups reach high standards. Teaching is outstanding. Lessons are well planned and provide high levels of challenge to all pupils.

Teachers are highly skilled in asking pupils probing, open-ended questions which encourage them to think deeply about their learning. However, teachers are not providing enough opportunities in mathematics for pupils to use the skills they have acquired in real-life, problem-solving activities. Teaching assistants who work with pupils who need extra help make a highly effective contribution.

Exercise books show that pupils take great pride in their work. Marking is of a high quality and shows clearly how pupils can improve. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

Very positive attitudes towards learning were observed in all lessons. Attendance is high and pupils are punctual. The school has in place excellent methods for raising the performance of all staff.

The governing body has a very precise understanding of how well the school is performing. Governors work extremely well with the headteacher and this collaboration has ensured very high standards for pupils over a long period of time. Parents are very positive about the school and appreciate that the hard work of staff is really making a difference to their children.

Information about this school

This school is larger than the average-sized primary school. Pupils are predominantly White British. The proportion of pupils supported through school action is well below the national average.

The proportion of pupils supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below the national average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (the pupil premium is additional funding for those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, children from service families and those children that are looked after by the local authority) is well below the national average. In this school the pupil premium almost entirely applies to pupils eligible for free school meals.

The school meets the government's current floor standards which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school is one of a group of schools which make up the South Central Consortium. These schools work together to provide support for each other and additional outreach support for pupils.