Everton Heath Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

Everton Lower is an outstanding school where pupils of all abilities consistently achieve extremely well.

Pupils and their parents and carers greatly appreciate the high-quality care and enjoyable learning opportunities. Pupils were unanimous in their positive comments and could not fault the school in any way: 'It is fabulous, we like everything about the school including the playground, swimming pool, choir, literacy and numeracy.' Parents and carers were also enthusiastic, and one summed up the school: 'A brilliant school where children love to learn.

The Everton team are fantastic and value each child for who they are, encouraging self-belief and a spirit of you can do anything you want t...o do if you try hard enough, nothing is impossible.' These are the key strengths of the school. Pupils make excellent progress and consequently standards in reading, writing and mathematics are well above those expected for all groups of pupils because : the quality of teaching and learning is consistently outstanding.

Relationships are extremely strong, the school ethos is very warm and welcoming, and pupils make excellent gains in their personal development. Excellent attendance contributes significantly to pupils' achievement. Pupils make excellent progress in music and their singing is very good.

The provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage is outstanding. Parents and carers particularly appreciate the very positive learning activities and the sheer enjoyment of the children. The pre-school is making a valuable contribution to the Early Years Foundation Stage experience.

Care, guidance and support are extremely strong, so pupils behave superbly well and are mature, sensible and enthusiastic learners. A parent commented, 'Teachers know the children very well and any problems are noticed at once and solutions planned.' The curriculum meets the needs of all pupils well and consequently they develop an extremely positive attitude to their learning.

The headteacher and governing body lead the school exceptionally well and have a very clear vision for its future improvement. Parents and carers commented on the inspirational leadership of the headteacher. Excellent links with parents and carers, the local community and external agencies contribute very effectively to the provision.

The key areas to develop are as follows. Pupils develop an excellent understanding of the school and local community, but their understanding of national and global initiatives, and their knowledge and awareness of cultures and religions different from their own, are less well developed. There is an excellent commitment from all staff to provide each pupil with the very best possible education.

Equality of opportunity and the elimination of discrimination are pursued determinedly. There is also a continual drive for improvement. The very effective systems for evaluating the strengths and further areas for development of the school are playing their part in sustaining high standards over time and adapting to changes within the school.

The school's excellent organisation and strong, shared vision demonstrate its outstanding capacity to continue moving forward.

Information about the school

Everton Lower School is a small school. Most pupils come from Everton and the surrounding villages.

A large majority of the pupils are White British, and a very small minority are from minority ethnic groups. No pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well below average.

The percentage of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is about average, but the percentage with a statement of special educational needs is well below average. The main special needs are learning difficulties and physical disabilities. There are two mixed-age classes, for Years 1 and 2 and Years 3 and 4.

The Early Years Foundation Stage provision is in one class for Reception children and a pre-school for Nursery children. The pre-school was opened in September 2010 and runs mornings only in the school hall. This was also included in the inspection.