Blackwater Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. As a result of consistently good teaching pupils make good progress in all year groups.

Pupils achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics and reach above average standards. Teachers and skilled teaching assistants work effectively together. They plan and teach in ways that meet the needs of all groups of pupils.

Morale throughout the school is high. Pupils are very well known by the teachers and their personal needs are well catered for. All groups of pupils, including disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, achieve well and make good progress.

Children in the Reception Year have an excellent start and ma...ke very good progress. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding is well developed. The headteacher is providing determined and dynamic leadership.

His vision for Blackwater is supported by staff and the governing body. This is resulting in ongoing improvement. Parents are very satisfied with all aspects of the school's performance.

Pupils have highly positive attitudes to learning and are keen to give their best. They feel safe, behave very well and are proud of their school. All staff check information on pupils' progress to ensure they are all doing well enough.

The knowledgeable governing body is committed to providing the best quality of learning for pupils. The governors challenge the school effectively. Pupils enjoy and benefit strongly from the rich and varied activities that the school provides.

Attendance is above national expectations. It is not yet an outstanding school because: Not enough teaching is outstanding and some pupils do not make the progress they should. Pupils' work is not checked consistently to see whether they have acted on guidance in marking to improve their work.

Information about this school

Blackwater is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Pupils are taught in four mixed-age classes. The number of pupils on roll has increased significantly over the last three years.

Almost all pupils are White British, with very few pupils from different minority ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is above average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also above average.

The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is below average. This additional government funding is to support pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, or those children who are looked after by the local authority. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' progress and attainment at the end of Year 6.