Castlethorpe First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Excellent leadership by the headteacher, a very effective governing body and all staff working together ensure that pupils get an excellent education. All groups of pupils, including those who are potentially vulnerable and those who find learning difficult, are supported very well and make outstanding progress. Standards by the end of Year 2 are consistently well above average in reading, writing and mathematics.

Teaching is of a high standard. Over time it is never less than good and much of it is outstanding. Teachers' expectations of the pupils are high.

Teachers regularly mark and talk to the pupils about their work... and suggest ways in which it can be improved. Clearer and more effective guidance is given in the Year 2 class. The curriculum is well organised.

Pupils in the different classes follow common themes and share experiences. Parts of the playground have been remodelled to provide a stimulating learning environment. Best use has not been made of the Early Years Foundation Stage outdoor area to support children's learning.

It is not as supportive of the promotion of literacy and numeracy skills as the classroom. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Pupils want to learn and show respect for each other at all times.

Their knowledge of how to keep themselves safe is excellent. Pupils' attendance is well above average. The school development plan is well thought out and based on an accurate evaluation of the school's strengths and areas for development.

It is used well to improve outcomes for pupils. The governing body checks carefully the progress pupils make and has a good understanding of the school's performance. Systems to ensure that the pupils are kept safe are well established.

Information about this school

The school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. Most pupils are of White British heritage. The remaining pupils come from a number of different minority ethnic backgrounds.

No one speaks English as an additional language. Pupils are taught in two classes. Each morning Reception children and Year 1 pupils work together while Year 2 pupils are taught as a group.

During the afternoons, Reception children are taught as a group while pupils in Years 1 and 2 are taught together. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is well below average. The proportion identified for additional support through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also well below average.

The school has not received any pupil premium funding. This is because there have been no eligible pupils attending the school in the last six years. Pupil premium is additional government funding for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, those who are looked after by the local authority and other eligible groups.