Banham Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. From below-average starting points, pupils reach above-average standards in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6. Much, but not all, teaching is outstanding.

None is ever less than good. Teachers have excellent understanding of pupils' individual learning needs and carefully set work which enables them to make rapid progress in all subjects. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding.

They are proud of their school and excited to attend. They respond very positively to their varied and imaginative learning opportunities. Pupils have a very good understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe.

Teaching assistants ma...ke an excellent contribution to pupils' progress as they are highly skilled and deployed very effectively. The headteacher is an exceptional leader who pursues excellence in all the schools' activities. His forward-thinking approach means there is much innovation in school in both teaching and leadership.

Consequently, teaching and achievement have much improved since the previous inspection. The creative curriculum and outstanding use of information and communication technology (ICT) make learning fun and engaging for all pupils. This excellent provision contributes strongly to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

School-improvement planning is exemplary. It is fully focused on continued improvement to pupils' achievement and carefully monitored by staff and governors. The school has developed very helpful links with local schools, which greatly contribute to pupils' academic and personal development.

The relentless drive and ambition shown by leaders, staff and governors means the school has excellent capacity to continue to improve.

Information about this school

The school is a smaller-than-average primary school. Pupils are taught in four classes.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average. A below-average proportion of the pupils are known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding to be used for children in local authority care, pupils with a parent in the armed services and pupils known to be eligible for free school meals.

The school runs its own breakfast club and after-school club. Most pupils come from White British backgrounds. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' achievement and progress.