Digby the Tedder Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The school has built on its previous very effective provision despite significant changes since the previous inspection, including a new team of teachers.

Pupils make well above average progress and they achieve high standards in reading, writing and mathematics by the time they leave the school. Children in the Reception class make excellent progress from their often low starting points in all areas of their learning. The progress pupils make in learning to read is exceptional and in 2013 all Year 1 pupils reached or exceeded the expected standard.

Pupils demonstrate very high quality work in art and design, design and technolog...y, science, history and geography. However, at times written work is not the pupils' own but copied from other sources. The progress pupils made in writing, although still resulting in above average standards, is not as rapid as that in reading and mathematics.

The school does not provide enough opportunities for pupils, especially boys, to extend their vocabulary and be inspired in their writing. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Their very positive attitudes to learning have a strong impact on their progress.

They demonstrate great pride in their work and have a very caring attitude towards each other. A major factor in the school's success is the outstanding quality of teaching. Teachers plan activities that clearly address the needs of all pupils.

Teachers continually assess the success of their teaching and alter what they are doing to help those finding the learning too challenging or moving on more rapidly for those who have quickly grasped the idea. The headteacher, ably supported by governors, has an excellent grasp of the detailed information the school holds about pupils' progress. This information is used effectively by all teachers to recognise and rapidly address any underachievement.

The school has very successfully developed other staff as leaders through careful training and shared responsibilities.

Information about this school

Digby The Tedder Primary School is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. The school is situated on the RAF Digby airbase.

All of the current pupils are from service families. Because of the regular movement of families to and from the base the number of pupils joining or leaving the school at times other than usual is very high. The school has had a complete change of teaching staff since the previous inspection.

All of the current pupils are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is average. The proportion supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also broadly average.

All of the current pupils are supported by the pupil premium grant. In this school, this provides additional funding for pupils who are from service families. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics.