Good Shepherd Catholic Primary and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The headteacher is inspirational in her leadership. She has ensured rapid improvements since the last inspection, ably supported by other leaders and governors.

A collaborative ethos of ambition and drive ensures all pupils experience success. Attainment by the end of Key Stage 2 has improved rapidly and is now above average. Most children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and all pupils in Key Stage 2 make rapid and sustained progress, including those eligible for pupil premium funding.

Teaching is good overall with an increasing proportion that is outstanding. Teachers observe, give timely feedback and adapt lessons quickly to help p...upils improve their work further. The quality of support by teaching assistants, especially for the most vulnerable pupils, is a strong feature of the school's work.

Pupils' behaviour and attitudes are good, and at times outstanding, in lessons and around the school. Pupils are polite and courteous with each other and adults and show high levels of care. The curriculum has improved well since the last inspection.

It provides a good breadth of experiences in lessons and through enrichment activities. Governors use their broad range of expertise to support and challenge the school. They ensure pupils and staff are safe.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Attainment by the end of Key Stage 1 showed a slight decline in the last two years and is not improving as rapidly as other age groups in the school. Higher attaining pupils are not challenged consistently in all lessons. Occasionally not enough time is given for pupils to respond to teachers' written feedback to ensure they improve their work further.

Not all pupils benefit from opportunities to initiate and take responsibilty for their own learning and behaviour.

Information about this school

Good Shepherd is a smaller-than-average-sized primary school with an increasing number of pupils on roll. The proportion of pupils supported through school action, school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average, including pupils with behaviour, emotional and social difficulties or speech, language and communication needs.

The number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well above average. The number of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium funding is above average. Almost all pupils have a minority ethnic background.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well above average. The school meets the government's current floor standards. The school is part of a cluster of schools that shares good practice and moderates pupil outcomes.