Castlebar School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is outstanding school because: Teaching is always at least good with a high proportion of lessons that are outstanding.

Achievement is excellent. Almost all pupils make outstanding progress, especially in their communication, reading, writing and number work. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage make outstanding progress and this prepares them well for future learning.

Teachers have high expectations of their pupils' success including the most able. They set challenging targets and tailor work to ensure pupils make the best possible progress. Pupils who receive additional government funding and those for whom English is an additional language make... excellent progress at rates comparable to other children.

The pupils' behaviour is outstanding both in lessons and in the playground. They have positive attitudes to their learning and this has a significant impact on their progress. They feel safe and enjoy school.

Their attendance is above average. The well planned range of subjects helps to make sure that pupils find their activities interesting. Adults are skilled in making use of resources which aid learning, such as signing and symbols to help pupils understand their work better.

The headteacher leads an outstanding senior team which, together with the governing body, has maintained and built on the extremely high standards in teaching and achievment reported on in the previous two inspections. Senior and middle leaders continually check on each aspect of the school's work. Together they have inspired staff to strive enthusiastically for excellence in all their work.

Governors are exceptionally well informed about the school's work. As a result, they are able to provide a high level of informed challenge and support to the school's management.

Information about this school

The school provides for pupils, increasingly, with complex learning needs.

Most pupils have severe learning difficulties and others, mainly older children, have moderate learning difficulties. About half the pupils have a further diagnosis of autism. There are a few pupils with additional hearing impairment.

All the pupils have a statement of special educational needs. An average proportion of pupils, are entitled to additional government funding, (the Pupil Premium) because they are entitled to free school meals or are looked after children. A very large majority of pupils are from ethnic backgrounds other than White British, reflecting the make-up of the borough.

A majority of these pupils speak English as an additional language. Two-thirds of the pupils are boys. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are often taught in classes with Year 1 pupils.

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