Caldecote Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

The school provides a good quality of education and aims to ensure that all children enjoy their time at the school.

One parent summed that up by writing 'My child has settled in well. His teacher and his class have all made him feel welcome.' Pupil progress for both boys and girls is good in response to consistently good teaching and a stimulating curriculum.

The school is improving because leaders and managers, including the governing body and middle managers, are working together effectively to implement their vision of a happy, healthy, high-achieving school. Pupils' personal development is good. Behaviour is consistently good, in and out of lessons.

Good arrangements are in plac...e to ensure pupil care and welfare. Pupils feel safe and are confident that there is an adult to whom they can speak whenever they have concerns. They understand the importance of a healthy diet and of exercise and benefit from use of the large, well-equipped outdoor area.

Pupils welcome opportunities to represent their school and to discuss their current efforts. Attendance is high. Pupils make good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Attainment improves significantly for all groups, including boys and the gifted and talented, in both mathematics and English, as pupils progress through the school. Any gaps in attainment for groups are closing rapidly. In the case of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, progress is outstanding because they are integrated fully into lessons and their needs are highlighted carefully and addressed quickly.

Although the quality of teaching is improving steadily, it is not yet outstanding because the level of challenge in lessons to take learning to the highest levels is inconsistent. Best practice in this area is at an early stage of being shared across the school. Pupils respond very well when they are able to advance their own learning through independent efforts and they relish such opportunities.

Pupils value the 'reward assemblies', which recognise achievements of any kind. The headteacher has a clear vision of where he wants to develop the school further. He is supported fully by all staff, including the governing body and middle managers, whose roles have been developed recently so that now they have an increasing part in making improvements.

A close focus on mathematics and English has led to considerable improvements in these areas. Self-evaluation is accurate, with an emphasis on the school's strengths and areas for development. The leadership team has focused effectively on identifying those areas requiring further improvement and on related staff training.

Expectations are clear and learning is, now, consistently good or better. As a result, the school's capacity for sustained improvement is good.

Information about the school

Caldecote Primary School is an average-size primary school.

Most pupils are from White British backgrounds, but there is a small and increasing number from minority ethnic groups. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The number of pupils identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities is lower than is usually found, although the proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs is average.

The percentage of pupils speaking English as an additional language is below average. The school has gained Healthy Schools status and the Active Mark. It provides a breakfast club and an after-school club, which are managed by the governing body.

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