Denham Village School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The interim headteacher leads a strong and committed staff team.

All who work at the school ensure that pupils succeed both academically and personally. The school is welcoming, inclusive and is at the heart of the local community. Teaching, learning and assessment are good.

Teachers make activities fun and relevant, which capture pupils' interests and ensure good learning. From their different starting points, the vast majority of pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics. They enjoy their learning and develop skills necessary for their next stage of education.

Governors have a clear understanding of the scho...ol's strengths and weaknesses. They are committed to ensuring that pupils achieve high standards and are well cared for. The variety of subjects and activities taught provide a wide range of opportunities, which motivate the pupils to do their best.

Children in the early years achieve because of good teaching and the happy and stimulating environment in which they learn. Equality is at the heart of the learning process for all pupils. Safeguarding is effective and pupils are safe and well cared for.

Pupils behave well in school. Their personal development, behaviour and welfare are good, and they thrive in this caring school. Staff are proud to be part of the school community and work well together.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school's work. Parents are actively involved in their children's education. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strong feature.

Pupils value and respect everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity or belief. Pupils' attainment in writing is not as strong as it is in reading and mathematics, particularly for the most able. Not all middle leaders have the monitoring and evaluation skills required to drive up the quality of teaching in their area of responsibility.

Information about this school

This is a much smaller school than the average-sized primary school. The school has two classes, a full-time Reception class and a mixed class with Year 2 and Year 3 pupils. The school does not have a Year 1 class because in 2017 the school faced the possibility of closure and therefore did not admit children into the Reception class.

The school has been through a consultation and is currently in the process of growing to become a half-form entry primary school. In September 2018 the school opened up its Year 3 provision. About half of the pupils are White British.

Other pupils belong to a number of minority ethnic groups. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils supported by funding through the pupil premium is below the national average. The number of pupils joining or leaving the school part-way through their primary education is higher than usual. Since the last inspection, the school has had four headteachers.

The current interim headteacher took up her post at the beginning of September 2017. A substantive headteacher has been appointed and will take up her post in January 2019. The school runs an early-morning club.