Great Ellingham Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

The school's overall effectiveness is good, typified by pupils' good progress and a strong trend of improvement over the past 18 months. The school is not yet outstanding because achievement in reading and science, the teaching of phonics (learning the sounds that letters make) and the use of assessment information are not yet as strong as other aspects of the school's performance.

Pupils' good progress comes from good teaching and leads to above-average attainment in most subjects. Improvements in teaching and pupils' learning are a result of a more robust and concerted approach by the headteacher and deputy headteacher to manage teachers' performance, particularly their accountability for pupils' att...ainment and progress. Although the use of assessment to track pupils' achievements and inform teaching has improved significantly since the previous inspection, tracking progress across all subjects is not well developed and subject leaders and teachers are not yet making full use of assessment information.

Pupils and staff value highly the care and support they receive from one another and this contributes significantly to pupils' knowledge and understanding of staying safe, their good behaviour, the pride that they have in their contribution to school life and the calm, learning ethos that pervades the school. The headteacher has made many changes since her appointment and leads a strong, committed staff team who readily accept and respond to the challenges. Consequently, pupils' progress and attainment have considerably improved.

Information about the school

This is a smaller-than-average primary school in a rural location. The headteacher was appointed in September 2010. In September 2011, the existing partnership with with Rocklands School became a formal federation, with one governing body.

As before, the executive headteacher leads both primary schools and each school retains its own budget. Almost all pupils are from a White British heritage. Very few pupils are known to be eligible for free school meals.

The proportion of pupils with disabilities and those with special educational needs supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is much lower than that found nationally and includes moderate learning difficulties and behavioural needs. There are six classes, five covering the two key stages and the Early Years Foundation Stage comprises one Reception class. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.