Aston Hall Junior and Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

This is a good school, in which pupils make good progress. It has several outstanding features. It provides an excellent caring and supportive environment, particularly, but not exclusively for those pupils whose circumstances make them most vulnerable.

Pupils feel extremely happy and safe in the school because of the excellent relationships and good safeguarding arrangements. Consequently, they enjoy school and their attendance is very high. As one said: 'School is a lovely place to be in because it's friendly and teachers are kind.

We have lots of fun but we also learn lots of new things.' Pupils know well how to keep healthy and fit, and they are impeccably behaved and courteous. The schoo...l is popular with parents and carers.

This is reflected in their very positive comments on questionnaires. For example, one wrote: 'The school is a lovely school with excellent staff who provide a very happy, safe and secure environment for my children. My eldest child left school recently, but still carries fond memories of the school.'

Pupils' achievement is good. They get off to a good start in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They make good progress through the school and by the end of Year 6 they attain slightly above-average standards.

However, standards in writing continue to lag a little behind those attained in mathematics and reading due to some inconsistencies in practice. For example, pupils do not always use extensive vocabulary within their written work. The school is aware of the importance of writing, and this remains an area for continuing development.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make equally good progress because of the excellent support which is provided for them. The curriculum is good. It is well organised and imaginative, and pupils' learning is enriched by many exciting in-school activities, as well as a range of visits and visitors.

The quality of teaching and learning is good overall. The majority of teaching observed was good. A small minority of lessons are, however, no better than satisfactory.

In these lessons, the challenge and the opportunities for independent learning are less pronounced than in the better lessons. Moreover, teachers' assessments of learning during lessons are not so sharp, so activities are not quickly adapted to move pupils forward more rapidly in their learning. The school is well led by the headteacher, who is well supported by the deputy headteacher and staff.

Morale is high and teamwork is strong. Self-evaluation is effective, drawing on observation of lessons and analysis of data. Excellent use is made of outside partnerships to benefit pupils' well-being and learning.

The knowledgeable and challenging governing body is systematically involved in monitoring the school to hold it to account in all areas. The school gives good value for money and demonstrates good capacity for sustained improvement.

Information about the school

Aston Hall Junior and Infant School is below average size for a school of its type.

A large majority of pupils are of White British origin and the proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is average. However, the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well-below average.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average. The school has Healthy School Status, Activemark and Basic Skills Agency Qualitymark. It has also received the International School Award.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms