Hillside Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Pupils are currently making rapid progress in improving their reading, writing and mathematical skills. Leaders have been successful in improving teaching over the last two years. Staff are motivated and passionate about their work.

The school's work with vulnerable pupils and their families is very strong. Parents hold the school in high regard. The Castle Community Hub provides valuable support for families.

Leaders have put in place effective systems to check on the quality of teachers' work and pupils' learning. They have a good understanding of the school's strengths and where it needs to improve. Pupils' attainment remains below ave...rage, despite the good progress made by those currently attending the school.

Differences between the progress made by boys and girls are diminishing but are still marked. Leaders have ensured that children in the early years make a strong start in developing their skills. Children are confident and inquisitive.

There are few opportunities for parents and carers to contribute to assessing their child's learning. Teachers are skilled in helping pupils to give thoughtful answers. They check pupils' understanding well and make sure that they pitch work at the right level.

Pupils behave well in the classrooms and in the playground. They are well mannered and kind to each other. The curriculum supports pupils in developing positive attitudes to learning.

The large range of out-of-school clubs and activities builds effectively on pupils' aspirations and interests. Governors provide a useful source of support and challenge to school leaders. However, minutes of their meetings show that, at times, they are content with the first answer they receive from leaders, rather than asking supplementary questions.

Leaders' planning sometimes lacks sharpness and this makes it difficult for them and governors to be precise in checking on the success of their actions. Pupils in key stage 1 have stronger phonic skills than those in key stage 2. Teaching and pupils' progress in foundation subjects are not strong.

Pupils' handwriting, presentation and attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar are weak.

Information about this school

Hillside is a larger-than-average primary school. The headteacher was appointed in December 2015.

Since the previous inspection the on-site children's centre has closed and the school uses the building for the Nursery class. The Castle Community Hub is attached to the school building. It provides activities and support for families and residents in the local area.

The school meets the current government floor standards. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is much higher than the national average. There are also high proportions of disadvantaged pupils, pupils who speak English as an additional language and pupils from multi-ethnic groups.