Tonacliffe Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The skill levels of different year groups vary widely year-on-year, but no matter what their starting points are pupils make outstanding progress by the time they leave school.

Standards have been consistently well above the national averages in English and mathematics for three consecutive years. The youngest children have an excellent start to their schooling in the Early Years Foundation Stage reaching levels which are well above those seen nationally, particularly in reading and writing. This prepares them exceptionally well for Key Stage 1.

The majority of teaching is outstanding and teachers devise an excellent range of int...eresting and inspiring activities to extend pupils' learning. Homework is exceptionally well used to extend learning. Teachers have very high expectations of all pupils.

Each child is recognised as a unique individual and learning activities are exceptionally well matched to their individual needs. Marking of work clearly informs pupils how to improve. However, older pupils are not always fully aware of the levels they are working at and precisely what they have to do to reach higher levels.

Pupils have exemplary attitudes towards their learning. They enjoy school, have an excellent understanding of how to keep safe, behave outstandingly well and look after each other with care and understanding. The headteacher, senior leaders and governing body provide inspirational leadership, creating a strong vision for high expectations and hold all adults to account in the pursuit of these high aspirations.

As a result, the quality of teaching is strongly improving and achievement is rising. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school, particularly the high quality of care and support provided and the improvements seen over the past two years.

Information about this school

Tonacliffe is slightly larger than the average-sized primary school.

The proportion of pupils supported through school action is broadly average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average but increasing. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium (additional funding for children in the care of the local authority or known to be eligible for free school meals) is broadly average.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups who attend the school is well below average, as is the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language. The school meets the government's floor standard, which is the minimum expected for pupils' attainment and progress. There is a before- and after-school club which is not managed by the governing body.

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