Gatton (VA) Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The headteacher and governors are highly ambitious for the school and are continually in the pursuit of excellence. School leaders analyse assessment data very carefully in order to identify where improvements are needed, to plan actions and to check quickly their impact. The governing body contributes considerably to the school's development.

Governors ask searching questions of school leaders and make sure necessary resources are available and used effectively. Teaching has improved considerably since the last inspection, particularly at Key Stage 2. This has been possible because the headteacher takes steps to ensure each teac...her's performance is of the highest quality.

Children make rapid progress in Reception, particularly in their English language skills. They also develop the skills that enable them to become successful learners. Pupils of all ages display a thirst for knowledge that spurs their learning and progress forward.

They work very hard and strive continually to do their very best. Frequent educational trips and visitors to school broaden the pupils' experiences very considerably. They generate great enthusiasm for learning and provide a vital stimulus for the pupils' imaginative writing.

Pupils make rapid progress in phonics (letters and the sounds they make) and wider reading skills develop quickly, following the introduction of a computer-based reading scheme. Pupils are unfailingly courteous, thoughtful and polite to each other and adults. Their exemplary behaviour within and outside lessons contributes greatly to the calm atmosphere at all times around the school.

Pupils feel very safe in school because staff and governors take great care to eliminate any risks to their safety and welfare. Pupils continually reflect on the school's deeply held values and beliefs, and deeper aspects of human experience. This enables them to develop great curiosity in their learning.

The headteacher and governors use additional funding very effectively to ensure that no pupils fall behind in their learning and that any gaps in achievement between different groups of pupils are closed.

Information about this school

The school is larger than most primary schools. It is part of the Al-Risalah Trust Schools.

Almost all pupils are from a wide range of minority ethnic backgrounds and speak English as an additional language. Many are at the early stages of learning English. The school receives pupil premium funding for an above-average proportion of the pupils.

Pupil premium is extra government funding given to schools to support pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, those in local authority care and children with a parent in the armed services. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is above average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well below average and falling.

More pupils than in most other primary schools join or leave part-way through their primary education. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school does not access any external provision.