Archbishop Runcie CofE First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The new headteacher cares deeply for the pupils, staff and local community. Her passion and determination support her drive to improve the school rapidly. Since the previous inspection, there have been many staffing changes.

However, governors and the headteacher have managed these changes effectively to minimise the impact on pupils. Governors and leaders have a secure understanding of what is working well. They work together successfully to plan and implement actions to ensure that the school continues to improve.

Teachers, particularly those new to teaching, have successfully developed their skills and expertise, benefiting from high-q...uality support and training. As a result, teaching has strengthened across the school and is now good in key stage 1 and key stage 2. Leaders ensure that disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make strong progress.

The school is a vibrant, happy place. Pupils' above-average attendance reflects their enjoyment and positive attitudes to school life. Most parents and carers are positive in their views about the school.

There are many complimentary comments regarding the changes introduced by the new headteacher. Leaders have developed a rich curriculum. It provides interesting and relevant opportunities.

As a result, pupils develop good knowledge and understanding in a wide range of subjects. At times, teachers' expectations of what pupils can achieve are not high enough, particularly in writing. Standards of presentation, handwriting and basic spellings are variable.

Teachers do not challenge pupils sufficiently in their writing, particularly the most able. Pupils are not encouraged to write at length or to apply their developing skills independently. Consequently, progress in writing is less strong.

Significant staffing changes in the early years have affected standards. Teaching is variable. Sometimes, learning opportunities and resources do not match children's needs.

Therefore, some children do not make good progress from their starting points. There is a strong culture of safeguarding.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The proportion of pupils who are supported by the pupil premium funding is below average. The proportion of pupils with SEND who receive additional support is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan is also lower than the national average.

The majority of pupils are of White British background. More recently, there has been an increase in the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language. A breakfast club is run by the school.