Sunning Hill Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. As a result of a sustained drive for improvement, pupils consistently attain levels above the national average. Children start school with skills that are well below those typically expected for their age.

They make rapid progress in the Reception classes and achieve well. Attainment at Key Stage 1 now reaches average standards as a result of rapid progress in acquiring key skills. In Key Stage 2, pupils continue to make accelerated progress and have consistently exceeded national standards for a number of years.

The school's award-winning curriculum, coupled with a wide array of clubs, visits and extra-curricular activities, off...ers further enrichment opportunities for all pupils. Teachers plan their lessons well to meet the needs of all pupils. The level of support offered by additional teachers and teaching assistants in the classroom ensures all pupils are supported and challenged well.

Innovative teaching in some classes ensures that pupils are deeply engrossed with learning due to high use of information and communication technology (ICT), links across subjects and team working. Work in pupils' books shows there has been outstanding teaching over time with very high-quality marking and feedback. However, the proportion of outstanding lessons could be higher.

Leaders' rigorous systems for checking on teachers' performance and pupil progress are in place which is ensuring a relentless driving up of standards. The headteacher's ambition and drive have ensured the school is constantly improving. A shared vision is pervasive throughout the school.

Middle leaders work together extremely well in sharing ideas and expertise. As a result, all pupils make very rapid and sustained progress. An active governing body has an excellent grasp of all aspects of the school's work.

They provide good challenge to the school's leaders as well as participating in a range of activities within school. Pupils have a thirst for learning and a desire for self improvement. As a result, attendance is high and behaviour is outstanding throughout school.

Pupils feel very safe. Excellent links with the local community and parents result in their extensive use of the school.

Information about this school

Sunning Hill Primary is larger than the average-sized primary school.

All pupils are from minority ethnic groups and the proportions who speak English as an additional language is high. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported through school action is average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also average.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium, including those known to be eligible for free school meals, is average. (The pupil premium is additional funding for those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, children from service families and those children that are looked after). The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for attainment and progress in English and mathematics.