Beckington Church First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The key to the school's outstanding performance is the relentless pursuit of excellence by leaders and governors. The headteacher is an outstanding leader.

Teamwork among all leaders and staff is excellent. Staff have the full confidence of parents and carers, working very effectively with them in supporting pupils' learning. Systems for checking and evaluating the school's work are outstanding.

Staff and governors are highly reflective. They continually evaluate the success of strategies for raising attainment, swiftly adjusting them when necessary. All pupils, including those with specific needs or talents, achieve exceptionall...y well.

Attainment by Year 4 pupils is high compared to that of most pupils of this age. The school strives to ensure that pupils attain highly in all subjects. During the inspection this was observed in computing, design and technology and physical education.

The school provides exceptionally well for children in the Reception Year. Children make excellent progress in their academic and personal development. Teaching is outstanding.

Staff have consistently high expectations and skilfully enable pupils of all abilities to make excellent progress. Teaching assistants support learning exceptionally well. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding in class and around the school.

Their outstanding attitudes to learning are a significant factor in supporting their rapid progress. The school's outstanding work to keep pupils safe and secure is evident in the rigorous implementation of safeguarding procedures. The governing body is exceptionally well organised to carry out all its duties effectively.

Governors are very knowledgeable and provide an excellent level of challenge and support for school leaders. The promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent. In particular, school staff, the local church and residents work exceptionally well together to foster pupils' understanding of community life.

Information about this school

Beckington is a smaller than average-sized first school in which pupils are taught in mixed-age classes. The majority of pupils who attend come from the village, but an increasing proportion travel from the surrounding area. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs is well below the national average.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is low. The very large majority of pupils are from White British heritage. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for pupil premium funding is well below average.

This funding is to provide extra support for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and for children who are looked after. Leaders work closely with the Frome Community Learning Partnership, cooperating with other schools in development and support work. The school does not make use of any off-site training.