Lightcliffe C of E Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

This is a happy school and the vast majority of pupils, including those with special educational needs, make good progress from their starting points and enjoy attending. Attainment in mathematics is well above average when pupils leave the school and they achieve well in both reading and writing. Good teaching and the use of attractive resources engage pupils' interest and help them to achieve well.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children make good progress in all areas of learning as a result of well organised and imaginative teaching. They develop their ability to speak and listen particularly well. The school provides well for ...pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, which is reflected in the good behaviour around the school and in classrooms.

Pupils are courteous and welcoming. They enjoy their learning and are keen to do well. Attendance is consistently above average.

This is a caring, supportive school where pupils are known as individuals and feel safe and secure. Instances of bullying are rare. The headteacher and deputy headteacher have a good understanding of how to improve teaching and raise achievement for all pupils.

This is shown by the increased focus on observing teaching and the introduction of a rigorous system to check the rate of progress of every pupil. Consequently, the school is well placed to further improve. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils' progress in English, although good, is not as rapid and sustained as it is in mathematics.

Teaching is good rather than outstanding. In some lessons there are not enough opportunities for pupils to work on their own and work is not always precisely matched to pupils' individual abilities.

Information about this school

The school is larger than most primary schools.

The proportion of pupils identified as having special educational needs and being supported at school action is below average, as is the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. A small proportion of pupils are known to be eligible for the pupil premium. The school meets the government's current floor standards which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

Most pupils are from White British backgrounds and English is the first language of the vast majority of pupils. The present headteacher was in post at the time of the previous inspection. The Chair of the Governing Body is relatively new and took up his post 12 months ago.