Benhurst Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Achievement has improved significantly since the previous inspection. Pupils now reach well-above-average standards in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The attainment gap that existed between pupils eligible for free school meals and their peers has closed.

Teaching is good and some aspects are outstanding. Learning is well planned to include a rich variety of activities set at the right level for most pupils. School leaders set challenging targets and expectations are high.

Very thorough systems for checking each pupil's progress trigger extra help where necessary so that no one is left behind. Leadership,... including governance, is good. The headteacher has made many improvements and has built a staff team that are focused on making the school as good as it can be.

This is leading to improved outcomes for pupils. Attendance has improved and is now above average. Pupils of all ages enjoy coming to school and like the topics they study.

Pupils' behaviour around the school is extremely good and typically good in classrooms. Pupils feel extremely safe within this caring, welcoming and purposeful school. It is not yet an outstanding school because : In Key Stage 2, fewer boys attain higher levels in reading and writing than do so in mathematics.

Not enough is done to reinforce correct spelling and good handwriting, especially for boys. In Key Stage 1, slightly fewer pupils reach higher levels in mathematics than in reading. Occasionally, teachers do not build pupils' mathematical calculation skills strongly enough through, for example, giving them practical equipment to aid their understanding.

Information about this school

Benhurst is a larger-than-average-sized primary school. The school is growing in size. From September 2014 there will be two classes in each year group.

The Early Years Foundation Stage consists of two Reception classes. Most pupils are White British, although the proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is a little above average. The percentage who speak English as an additional language is also a little higher than in most schools.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is average. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is average.

This is additional government funding provided for looked-after children and those pupils known to eligible for free school meals. There have been significant staff changes since the previous inspection, including at senior level. The headteacher took up post in September 2013.

Pupils have opportunities to attend before- and after-school clubs but these are privately managed and were not inspected at this time. The inspection report for this provision may be found on the Ofsted website. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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