Grappenhall Heys Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The recently appointed headteacher has successfully inspired governors and staff at every level to strive for improvement. She has high aspirations that have enabled the school to continue to achieve the best for its pupils.

At the same time she is providing clarity of vision on how to improve still further. The impact of all leaders on the quality of teaching and pupil achievement is outstanding. They make good use of information about progress in reading, writing and mathematics to ensure that all pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Outstanding teaching stimulates and engages pupils so they enjoy learning. They develop excellent... personal skills and qualities. Pupils make outstanding progress from their starting points.

By the time they leave Year 6 they consistently attain significantly above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics. Disadvantaged, disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs are extremely well provided for and as a result, they achieve well. The governing body is highly effective in supporting and challenging leaders.

Governors make an outstanding contribution to the work of the school. Skilful teaching assistants make an extremely strong contribution to pupils' progress. They know exactly what pupils need to learn and support different groups of pupils highly effectively.

In the early years, most children make exceptional progress. They leave the Reception class well prepared for Year 1. Even so some boys in the early years and in Key Stage 1 do not always do as well as girls in reading and writing.

The exciting curriculum instils in pupils a love of learning and the curiosity to constantly find out about new things. Careful planning ensures that pupils have a range of exciting experiences both in and outside the classroom. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary in lessons and around the school.

Pupils are polite and courteous and have extremely positive attitudes to their learning. The school's work to keep pupils safe and secure is exemplary. Pupils report that they feel safe in school and have learnt how to keep themselves safe when out of school.

Attendance is well above average. Parents speak highly of the school. They are confident in the school's ability to keep their children safe and happy.

Information about this school

The school is an average-sized primary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils, those supported by the pupil premium, is well below average. The pupil premium is additional government funding to provide support for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and for those looked after by the local authority.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is average. The large majority of pupils are of White British heritage. Pupils attend nursery on a part-time basis, either mornings or afternoons, with a small number who pay for additional hours and attend full time.

Pupils attend the Reception class on a full-time basis. The school met the government's current floor standards in 2014, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school provides a breakfast club before school and an after-school club and activities for pupils during term time.