Burntstump Seely CofE Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher is an effective leader. With the support of the Southwell and Nottingham Multi-Academy Trust, she has successfully addressed most of the weaknesses in teaching which held pupils back in the past. Professional development, provided through the trust, has improved the quality of teaching.

As a result, pupils' progress and attainment are improving strongly, particularly in reading. Parents value the school's ethos. It is a key reason why many parents choose Burntstump Seely for their children.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted well both through the curriculum and through the example set by ...adults. Children in early years make good progress. In 2018, an above-average proportion of children attained a good level of development by the end of the Reception Year.

However, unsettled staffing this year initially weakened the progress of some children in reading and writing. Pupils in key stages 1 and 2 are also making good progress. However, progress is weaker in writing than in reading and mathematics.

Errors in their spelling, punctuation and grammar detract from the overall quality of their written work. Lessons are well planned. Teachers have increasingly high expectations of what pupils can achieve.

However, the legacy of weaker teaching in the past has slowed down the progress of the most able pupils, particularly in writing. The curriculum ensures that pupils successfully develop knowledge, skills and interest in a broad range of subjects as they move through the school. Subject leaders are effective in improving the quality of teaching, particularly in reading and mathematics.

Those who are new to their leadership role share a determination to ensure that all pupils achieve their best. Governors have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school. They visit the school frequently to check for themselves how well pupils are learning.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Pupils' emotional well-being is cared for particularly effectively by the school's support team. Pupils feel safe at school.

Attendance, however, is below the national average.

Information about this school

Burntstump Seely C of E Primary opened in September 2016. The headteacher was appointed prior to the school opening.

The school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. The school is sponsored by the Southwell and Nottingham Multi-Academy Trust. The trust delegates some of its responsibilities to the local governing body through its scheme of delegation.

The majority of pupils at the school are White British. The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged is below the national average for primary schools. The proportion of pupils with SEND is close to the national average for primary schools.