Belmont Castle Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good school. It has improved since the last inspection. Attainment has risen, pupils' progress has accelerated and their behaviour has improved.

It is not outstanding because a few pupils do not make good year-on-year progress in writing and not enough teaching is outstanding. Parents and carers are supportive of the school; many wrote comments referring to the school's welcoming atmosphere. All groups of pupils achieve well in this inclusive school.

Most children enter the school with skills that are low, particularly in communication, literacy and language. Pupils make good progress as they move through the school and attainment is broadly average by the end of Year 6, although rea...ding and mathematics are stronger than writing. Pupils respond well to the good teaching they receive.

Teachers know their pupils well and have good relationships with them. Teachers' clear explanations, good subject knowledge and use of interesting resources all contribute to the good progress that pupils make. The pace of learning is slower in lessons where activities are not precisely matched to pupils' needs.

Behaviour and safety are good. Pupils and their parents and carers say that the school is a safe and friendly place. Most pupils behave well, and are sensitive to each other's different cultures and opinions.

Attendance has improved through the school's concerted actions, and is average. The headteacher, ably supported by the deputy headteacher, provides determined leadership. He has a clear vision for school development, which is based upon accurate school self-evaluation and is shared by members of the governing body and all staff.

The effective management of teaching and learning, the constant focus on staff training and regular checks on school performance have led to improvements in pupils' achievement. The curriculum successfully meets the needs of all pupils.

Information about the school

In this larger than average-sized primary school the proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is above average.

Most pupils are of a White British heritage with other pupils coming from a range of ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is above average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs (supported by school action plus or a statement of needs) is also above average.

The number of pupils who join and leave the school mid-way through the school year is increasing. The school meets the current floor standard, which sets the government's minimum expectations for attainment and progress. The school has received a number of awards, including Artsmark, Healthy Schools status and Investors in Families.

A new Early Years Foundation Stage unit was opened in September 2011 consisting of four Reception classes adjacent to the Children's Centre where the school's Nursery class is located. There is a before-school club managed by the governing body. A privately run pre-school and Children's Centre are on site but are subject to separate inspection arrangements.