Peterchurch Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good school. It is not yet outstanding because middle-ability pupils are not always challenged to make very rapid progress, and pupils are not always told exactly how to improve. Pupils' achievement is good.

Attainment is above average in the current Year 6, especially in English. Pupils make good progress in all key stages. Teaching is good.

Teachers use resources well to create interesting lessons. They question pupils skilfully and have good classroom routines. Regular marking affirms pupils' efforts and praises their successes.

Some teachers give pupils clear guidance on the next steps they need to take to improve their work and an opportunity to respond to the comments ...they have made which further challenges pupils' thinking. This practice is not consistent in all classes. Behaviour and safety are good.

Almost all parents feel that their children are safe and looked after well. Pupils are happy to come to school because they enjoy the activities and experiences it provides. Most pupils say that they feel safe, that behaviour is good in school and in lessons.

Good relationships with adults in school enable pupils confidently to seek help if they have any concerns. Over the time pupils are at the school, they develop qualities that will support them as they move on to their next stage of education and prepare them to become good citizens. Leadership of teaching and management of performance are good.

The many improvements have come about because of the school's effective system for managing, evaluating and supporting teaching. Staff and governors are proud of the school and have high ambitions to improve provision further. The well-organised, attractive and welcoming atmosphere supports a calm, cohesive community in which pupils work and play together cheerfully.

Information about the school

This is a smaller than average-sized primary school serving the rural village of Peterchurch and the surrounding area. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs (supported by school action plus or a statement) is higher than that found in most schools.

The number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The school did not meet the government's current floor standards for academic performance in 2011. The school has won a number of awards including Activemark, Healthy Schools, 4th Eco Green Flag and Heartstart.

The Golden Valley pre-school nursery is an independent nursery on the school site. This provision is inspected separately. There have been significant staff changes in the last three years.

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