Austwick Church of England VA Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher is a dedicated leader who has driven improvement relentlessly. She is passionate about keeping the school's Christian ethos at the heart of the school's work. Following a decline in the school's performance, governors responded well to the local authority's challenge to make urgent improvements.

Governors now provide effective support and hold leaders to account. While there has been some variability in outcomes for pupils over time, the majority of current pupils are making good progress now, especially in writing. Leaders have improved the quality of teaching and learning.

All staff are well trained and highly motivated.... Higher expectations in the early years are helping children to make good progress. The outdoor classroom has been developed to improve children's learning.

However, the quality of the teaching of phonics is variable. In 2018, all Year 1 pupils achieved the phonics screening check. However, some of the reading books in Year 1 include sounds that pupils do not know.

This affects their confidence and slows their progress. Most pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are making good or better progress. Teachers' expectations of the most able pupils, however, are not consistently high.

Some aspects of the wider curriculum are exceptionally well designed. This includes opportunities pupils are given to learn outside and also from visitors to the school. There is scope for further development of subject leadership so that learning, particularly for most-able pupils, is deepened in subjects beyond English and mathematics.

Pupils have a deep understanding of tolerance and respect, and they are very well prepared for life in modern Britain. The curriculum ensures that pupils' personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding.

Information about this school

This school is much smaller than typical and is located in a rural village setting.

A new headteacher was appointed in 2016. This school is voluntary aided. The last section 48 inspection by the diocese took place in December 2017.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is well below the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is much lower than average.