Bourton-on-the-Water Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

Bourton-on-the-Water is a good school. One parent and carer summed up the views of many by saying that, as a result of the good leadership and harmonious staff team, their children enjoy learning and 'feel confident in themselves'. Children get a good start and progress well in the Reception Year.

By the time pupils reach the end of Key Stage 2, their performance in English and mathematics is above average. This represents good progress from their starting points. The needs of pupils who join part way through an academic year are quickly identified.

As a result, they make good progress and achieve well. The school has a good capacity to accelerate improvement across all aspects of its work be...cause of: the good teaching and use of assessment the strong pastoral care the effective curriculum the self-evaluation procedures which have ensured the school has a clear understanding of its strengths and weaknesses the drive and ambition of leaders at all levels, including governors, to improve performance the strong partnership with parents and carers. The involvement of all staff and governors in evaluating strengths and weaknesses of school performance is effective.

Staff are involved in analysing and using data to track pupils' performance well. Teaching is good. Consequently, the majority of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress in lessons, as seen during the inspection.

This is because teachers have developed a consistent approach to the good use of assessment in lessons. Added to this, support given to those pupils who may be potentially vulnerable or at risk of falling behind in their work is timely and well targeted. Occasionally, in a few Key Stage 1 literacy lessons, the pace of learning slows.

Consequently, some pupils make less progress, particularly in writing and applying their knowledge of the sounds letters make when spelling and reading, because tasks planned by teachers are either too hard or too easy. Changes to the curriculum mean that pupils say the curriculum is interesting. Parents and carers report that their children are keen to continue learning at home, such as researching information for topics.

The effective relationships that exist within the school community and high expectations from staff underpin pupils' positive attitudes to learning. A strong feature, resulting from the good care afforded pupils, is the emphasis the school places on moral and social values. As a result, pupils treat one another and all adults in the school community with friendly respect.

Consequently, behaviour is consistently good and pupils' attendance is high. Parents and carers are complimentary about the quality of information they receive on their children's progress and the way in which they are prepared for the next step in their education. Since the last inspection the robust leadership and management has promoted the contribution of middle leaders.

They now play a key role in continuing to raise school performance. This, together with the improved assessment systems, means that the school has a good capacity to make further improvements.

Information about the school

This is an average-size primary school.

Pupils are drawn from Bourton-on-the-Water and beyond. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is approximately half the national average. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is higher than average for the size of the school.

More pupils than average join the school part way through their primary education, particularly in Key Stage 2. The majority of pupils are White British. The school holds the Healthy School status and the Activemark.

There is a separately managed breakfast and after-school club on site. The pre-school setting is situated on the school site. There are plans in place for the school to take over the running of the pre-school.