Lewknor Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

Lewknor Church of England Primary is a good school where pupils achieve well. It is not outstanding because achievement in writing and mathematics is not as good as that in reading.

As a result of very small cohorts, there is variation in achievement from one year group to another. However, children generally enter the school with levels of skills below expectations for their age, and leave reaching above average standards in English and mathematics. They make good progress.

Teaching in the school is good. There are particular strengths in the way in which teachers assess pupils' understanding, both during lessons and over time. This means that work is well planned to meet the needs of all abi...lities, including pupils with special educational needs and those learning English as an additional language.

Pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning are outstanding. Pupils of all ages are attentive and eager to learn in class, and supportive and considerate of others in the playground. Older pupils demonstrate the capacity to reflect on their learning and identify their areas for improvement for themselves.

Leadership and management are good. The headteacher has quickly built a new staff into a united and cohesive team, thanks to clear direction and a firmness of purpose. Leaders and members of the governing body are successfully focused on raising achievement in all parts of the school and on the leadership of teaching and the professional development of staff in their classroom and leadership roles and this is paying dividends in rising standards.

The issues from the previous inspection have been well addressed. A new approach to the curriculum enables pupils to develop a range of skills and learn independently, and ensures full coverage of all required areas, including pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Information about the school

Lewknor Church of England Primary School is much smaller than the average primary school.

Pupils are taught in three mixed-age classes, with some separate teaching for Year 6 pupils. Early Years Foundation Stage children are taught in the infant class. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is low compared with the national average.

The proportions from minority ethnic backgrounds or who speak English as an additional language are also low. There are no disabled pupils at the school, but the proportion supported by school action plus or who have a statement of special educational needs is in line with the national average. Their needs relate mainly to moderate learning difficulties or speech and language difficulties.

A higher than average proportion of pupils leave or join the school other than at normal times. The school meets the floor standards, which are the minimum standards expected by the government. Since the previous inspection, there has been a complete turnover in teaching staff, and the headteacher has been in post since September 2011.