Little Dewchurch CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The exceptional enthusiasm, drive and vision of the executive headteacher, well supported by senior staff and a good governing body, has led to considerable and sustained improvement since the school's previous inspection. Teaching and learning are outstanding across the school. Teachers demonstrate excellent subject knowledge and promote learning exceptionally well and consistently.

Standards at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 are considerably above those usually found in reading, writing and mathematics. The school accurately evaluates how well it is doing and school leaders and managers, including the governing body, kn...ow exactly what needs to be done to sustain the high standards it has reached and what needs to be done next in order to continue to improve. High-quality marking celebrates pupils' achievements and ensures that all pupils know what they need to do next in order to improve.

Support for disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is excellent. Pupils' exemplary behaviour contributes strongly to the outstanding quality of learning in lessons. Pupils say they feel safe in the school.

They are aware of different forms of bullying, including cyber-bullying, how to avoid it and what to do should it occur. From an early age, pupils enjoy coming to school and this shows in their eagerness to learn and their improving attendance rates. Children make good progress in the Reception class, although resources and so use of the outdoor area are currently limited.

As they move through the school, they become excellent readers, writers and mathematicians. Staff are caring and supportive, and, with governing body members, volunteers, and visitors to the school, they create an exceptional place for learning. The executive headteacher is passionate about ensuring that all pupils do as well as they possibly can and sets very high expectations for all staff.

Checks on teaching are very thorough and regular, and staff receive appropriate training to ensure all lessons are of the highest quality.

Information about this school

This school is smaller than average. An average proportion of pupils are supported by the pupil premium.

This is additional funding for those known to be eligible for free school meals, in care or with a parent in the armed services. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs who are supported at school action is above average. The proportion supported at school action plus or through a statement of special educational needs is broadly average.

No pupils are currently educated in alternative provision away from the site. The school is part of a formal collaboration with Marlbrook Primary School. The headteacher of Marlbrook is the executive headteacher of Little Dewchurch.

Day-to-day leadership is delivered by a full-time assistant headteacher. Each school has its own governing body. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.