Boddington Church of England Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good school which has consolidated the strengths evident in the previous inspection. The recent fluctuations in progress and inconsistencies in teaching and use of assessment are the reasons why the school is not better than good.

Pupils, staff, parents and carers are extremely positive about all aspects of the school's work. In 2011 attainment fell in Year 6, following a period of consistently above-average results in national tests. On her appointment, the executive headteacher saw where the problems were.

Working creatively with staff and a shrewd governing body, she has successfully led a very rapid recovery, while sustaining the school's friendly atmosphere. The vast majority of... pupils currently in school are making good progress and their achievement is good. The effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage is good, although assessment is not fully utilised to give an accurate attainment on entry.

Pupils' behaviour is good; they are considerate of one another so that they are happy and feel very safe. They have positive attitudes to learning and thrive personally and academically. Their enjoyment of school and the interesting curriculum are reflected in their above-average attendance.

Teaching is good. Lessons are well organised with many hands-on, practical activities. Occasionally, teachers talk for too long so that pupils do not have sufficient time to complete their work, or do not plan work that is sufficiently challenging.

Opportunities for pupils to respond to teachers' comments to improve their work are inconsistent across the school. The headteacher and the governing body closely monitor the work of the school and make good use of data to plan its strategic development, although subject coordinators are not so fully involved in this. They have used the new assessment systems and support effectively to improve the quality of learning and performance of teachers and to target further improvements.

Information about the school

This is a smaller than average-size primary school. Most pupils are from White British heritage. The number of pupils from minority ethnic groups is lower than the national average as is the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is below average. The Early Years Foundation Stage consists of one Reception class, together with Year 1 pupils; other pupils are taught in two mixed-aged classes.

The school meets the government's current floor standard. The executive headteacher, who is also headteacher at Culworth Primary School, was appointed in September 2011. The governing body of both schools reformed into one federated governing body in January 2012.