Athersley South Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Senior leaders are passionate about their school, and other adults share this passion.

Leaders are acutely aware of the school's strengths and weaknesses. All staff at the school have created an environment where pupils feel safe and happy. Relationships are good, particularly in the early years and key stage 1, where boys and girls play together extremely well.

The teaching of sports is a strength which is demonstrated in the numerous sporting achievements the pupils gain. From their low starting points, across the school, pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics. School staff have worked hard to improve attendance.<...br/>
However, absence rates remain too high and this requires further improvement. The roles of the leaders of learning are still developing. They do not yet make a fully effective contribution to bringing about school improvement.

Children in the early years make good progress, especially in the Reception Year. Teachers use practical equipment proficiently to support pupils' understanding. Skilled teaching assistants are well used around the school to support pupils' learning.

Senior leaders hold regular meetings with teachers, where rigorous assessment of pupils' progress helps plan next steps of learning. A proactive and tenacious approach to safeguarding ensures that all staff are fully aware of what to do if they have any concerns. Pupils are well educated about safety and confidently discuss the effect substances such as alcohol can have on their bodies.

Pupils do not have a secure knowledge or understanding about British values, different religions, cultures and communities.

Information about this school

Athersley South Primary School is a larger than average primary school. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

For the last four academic years, the school has been led jointly by two headteachers. Following the departure of one of the headteachers last academic year, the leadership structure has changed so that the school is now led by a headteacher and a deputy headteacher. The deputy headteacher was new to post in September 2018.

The leader for the early years returned in September 2018 following an extended secondment. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities and those who are supported by an education, health and care plan is higher than the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is above the national average.