John F Kennedy Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The school's aim 'to foster a love of life and learning' is put into practice in every area of school life. Pupils achieve well at school. They make good progress from their starting points in reading, writing and mathematics.

Last year pupils exceeded the nationally expected standards in their tests, due in part to strong teaching in Year 6. The quality of teaching is good. Some is outstanding.

Teachers use different teaching methods and plan interesting and lively lessons. As a result, pupils get on well with their work. Teachers mark work in a way that helps pupils do better next time.

Behaviour in lessons and around... the school is good. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning and this supports their good progress. They are courteous and polite, both with each other and with adults.

They have a very good understanding of how to stay safe. The headteacher and other senior leaders have a clear view of how successful the school can be. They have been making steady and consistent progress in improving teaching.

Systems to check the quality of teaching and pupils' progress are good. The plans put in place as a result of the findings are effective. As a result, the school is improving.

Teachers notice individual pupils or groups of pupils who are falling behind and use small groups and other adults to help these pupils make good progress. The school has very positive relationships with parents and involves them effectively in helping their children learn. The curriculum is exciting.

Music and sports help 'foster a love of learning'. One pupil said that he 'loves coming to school because everyone cares here'. This is a view typical of many parents, staff and pupils.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teachers do not check the progress of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage well enough to ensure that the activities planned for them meet their individual needs. As a result, progress is slower in Nursery and Reception classes than the rest of the school. Sometimes teachers do not set tasks which help all pupils to learn well, whatever their ability.

There are not enough opportunities for pupils to improve their writing skills by practising them in different subjects.

Information about this school

This is an above-average-sized primary school. An above-average proportion of pupils are eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for children in local authority care and pupils known to be eligible for free school meals.

The proportion of pupils identified with special educational needs through school action is above average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is slightly below average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average.

In 2012 the school exceeded the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. Since the time of the previous inspection the school has appointed a new deputy headteacher. The school has achieved the following awards, among others: Artsmark Gold; Anti Bullying Award; and the Basic Skills Award.