Fernvale Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Pupils' achievement throughout the school is good and pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their schooling. Children make good progress in the Reception class, where they benefit from a wide mix of exciting work.

Pupils continue to make good progress as they move up the school. They reach above-average standards when they leave school in Year 5. Good teaching helps pupils to build on their skills year by year.

Teachers provide pupils with work that is interesting, relevant and challenging. Pupils are very happy and feel very safe in school. Their behaviour in class and around the school is good.

Pupils are keen to lear...n and enjoy taking responsibility. Leaders' checks on the quality of teaching are frequent and rigorous. Their clear feedback ensures it is good and improving.

Plans and staff training to improve the school have been very successful. The school is well placed to improve even further. The governing body provides a good level of challenge and support to the headteacher and staff.

It makes sure that that the school meets all legal requirements. It is not yet an outstanding school because : The pace of learning sometimes slows during lessons when an activity lasts too long. Marking is not all of a high standard and does not all help pupils improve their work.

Older pupils are not really sure of their long-term targets and do not take enough responsibility for their own rate of progress.

Information about this school

This is a smaller than average sized primary school. Pupils transfer to secondary education at the end of Year 5.

The large majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The remainder come from a wide variety of minority ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of pupils for whom the school receives the pupil premium (additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and those in care) is at the national average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average. The proportion of pupils supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average. The current headteacher has been in post since September 2013.