Keyham Barton Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the appointment of the headteacher in January 2016, decisive action has led to rapid improvements across the school.

She has provided strong leadership and clear direction for the school. Middle leaders lead their areas of responsibility well. They share a collective vision and determination to ensure that all pupils achieve their very best.

Leadership of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is effective. Leaders' actions have ensured that these pupils make strong progress. The governing body provides effective challenge to school leaders.

As a result, pupils' outcomes ha...ve improved. Leaders have ensured that there is an effective approach to teaching across the school. They have made regular checks and acted swiftly to rectify any weaknesses.

As a result, the quality of teaching and learning across the school is now good. Pupils make consistently strong progress in phonics. Their results in the phonic screening check are consistently in line with, or above, those seen nationally.

Since the previous inspection, pupils' progress and attainment, across a range of subjects, have improved significantly. Leaders ensure that children in early years settle quickly into school life. This enables teachers to build upon children's personal development, so they make strong progress across a curriculum that is well designed to meet their needs.

Pupils feel safe and well cared for. Their personal development and welfare prepare them well for life in modern Britain. Pupils behave well.

They are polite and well mannered. They have a clear understanding of the value of respect for each other and adults. The school offers a curriculum that enables pupils to build their knowledge and skills effectively over time.

However, in key stage 1, the curriculum beyond English and mathematics is not as well developed as in key stage 2. Too often, teachers do not provide sufficiently challenging work in mathematics. Although improving, the proportion of pupils who are persistently absent remains above the national average.

Information about this school

The school is part of Plymouth Catholic Anglican School Trust (CAST). This trust has 36 academies (33 primary schools, two secondary schools and one nursery school). Governance is provided by the board of trustees.

More recently, delegated powers to the local governing body have been removed and the local governing body is overseen by a senior officer of the trust. The trust board takes full responsibility for challenging and supporting leaders to ensure positive outcomes for pupils. The trust is led and managed by a chief executive officer.

The majority of pupils are of White British background. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The proportion of pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals is above that found nationally.

The proportion of pupils with SEND or who are supported by an education, health and care plan is above average. The headteacher was appointed in January 2016. The school is designated as having a religious character and received a section 48 inspection in October 2015.