Margaret McMillan Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Pupils of all abilities, including disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, make good progress and reach at least average standards by the end of Year 6. Children make a good start in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

As a result, pupils are well prepared for their future education. Pupils who speak English as an additional language make especially good progress in early reading and speaking skills, which gives them a firm foundation for learning in all subjects. The overall quality of teaching is good with some that is outstanding.

Pupils remember information well and increase their understanding because teachers ask th...ought-provoking questions. Teaching assistants make a good contribution to the progress made by all groups of pupils. Pupils are well behaved and feel safe.

They are polite and friendly. They take good care of each other through their roles on the school council and as playground buddies. Pupils' health, well-being and personal development are promoted well through exciting themes and a wide range of sporting, musical and artistic activities.

The headteacher and deputy headteacher provide clear, enthusiastic and determined leadership. They are well supported by an enthusiastic and well trained leadership team and good governing body. As a result, pupils' achievement and the quality of teaching continue to improve.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Occasionally, the use of marking and feedback does not ensure pupils speedily improve their own work. Pupils' writing in different subjects does not always reflect the standard they reach in their literacy work. Pupils do not always work at sufficient length in English and mathematics nor present their work carefully enough to firmly secure their achievement.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported by school action is well above average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well above average.

The proportion of pupils who receive the pupil premium funding is above average. The pupil premium is additional funding for those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, children from service families and those children who are looked after by the local authority. Almost all pupils are of minority ethnic heritage, predominantly Pakistani.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well above average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. The headteacher and deputy headteacher were appointed to their posts after the last inspection.