Loatlands Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The good quality of education in the Nursery and Reception classes has been maintained since the previous inspection. Children make good progress because the experience and expertise of the leader ensure teaching is invariably good. Most pupils make good progress in reading and mathematics as they move through the school.

They also make good progress in writing, although standards are not quite as high. Good teaching is ensuring that standards in literacy and numeracy are rising. Skilled support staff ensure that disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs make good progress.

Behaviour is good in lessons and aro...und school, and pupils feel safe. They enjoy school and this is reflected in their above-average attendance. Leadership and management are good.

The staff are working well as a team, inspired by the partnership between the new headteacher and deputy headteacher. Both check thoroughly on the performance of staff and have eliminated most weaknesses in teaching. The governors have much expertise and ask the senior leaders increasingly searching questions about the pace and level of improvement.

This is enhancing the school's good capacity to go on improving. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Boys are not doing as well in writing as they are in reading and mathematics. From entry to the Nursery to Year 6, teachers are missing opportunities to promote writing skills in literacy sessions and other subjects.

In the Nursery and Reception classes, planning for outdoor learning is not always detailed enough to make the best use of the space. Subject leaders are only just beginning to check the quality of teaching.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school, and almost all pupils are of White British heritage.

There is a Nursery, attended by children from a wide area on a part-time basis, and currently one single-age class in each year group from Reception to Year 6. Plans are in place to increase the size of the school because of a rising demand for places locally, and eventually there will be two classes in each year group. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for additional funding through the pupil premium is broadly average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported through school action is below average, as is the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. A new headteacher and deputy headteacher started in September 2012.

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