Choppington Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher, ably supported by other leaders, has enabled rapid improvement since the last inspection. He has successfully created a culture of high expectations. Leaders, governors and staff wholeheartedly share his vision of high achievement for all.

Leaders have effectively improved the quality of teaching and learning so that it is now at least good. This has resulted in pupils' outcomes improving to now be good. Leaders use accurate assessment to identify the pupils, especially the most able, who have historically, underachieved.

They check that work set for these pupils is supporting strong progress. A high proportion of pupils ...are currently working at the greater depth of learning in each year group. There has been insufficient time for this to have increased outcomes at the end of key stages.

Teachers and teaching assistants have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Adults instil confidence in pupils, enabling pupils to have high expectations for themselves. Current pupils are making strong progress in writing.

However, previous underachievement resulted in gaps in pupils' spelling knowledge. There are limited opportunities for pupils to write at length in subjects other than English. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are currently making good progress across the curriculum.

This is because : they receive appropriate and targeted support. In early years, children make good progress. Sometimes, for example in child-initiated play, independent tasks and developing writing skills, activities do not challenge children sufficiently.

Governors responded well to recommendations in an external review of their effectiveness. This has strengthened the quality of governance. They know the school well and are committed to continuous school improvement.

Pupils behave well in lessons and around school. They are polite and respectful, showing positive attitudes towards their learning. On occasion, pupils do not take care in the accuracy and presentation of their work.

Leaders ensure that the curriculum is exciting and creative. They develop pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness effectively. Pupils have a strong awareness of fundamental British values.

Pupils' attendance has improved to be above the national average. Leaders' decisive actions ensured that very small numbers of pupils are regularly absent.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is much larger than the national average and in the top 20% of schools in the country. The proportion of pupils who have English as an additional language is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average for both SEND support and those who have an education, health and care plan.

The school is situated in an area of high deprivation (highest 20% of schools in the country). The school has a Nursery class and provides places for two-year-olds. The school offers a range of clubs and activities after school.