Meadowside Community Primary and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school This is a rapidly improving school. Since the last inspection the school has gone from strength to strength. As result, the progress that pupils make and the standards that they reach in reading, writing and mathematics have improved by the time they leave the school in Year 6.

The school is well led and managed. Senior leaders provide clear direction and demonstrate good capacity for further improvements. High-quality provision in the early years ensures that children make good progress from their low starting points.

The quality of teaching throughout the school is good. Staff know pupils and their capabilities well. The school provides... an inclusive environment.

Pupils in the designated provision, and those with disabilities and special educational needs, thrive during their time at the school. The curriculum engages pupils because it is broad, balanced and interesting. Pupils have a strong appreciation of the arts.

The impressive artwork on display contributes strongly to the attractive and welcoming environment in which pupils learn. The school is a happy place and standards of behaviour are good. Pupils feel safe and build strong relationships with staff.

Governors are supportive of the school and know it well. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teaching assistants are not always used effectively to promote pupils' learning. Teachers' questioning does not always challenge and deepen pupils' understanding.

Activities for the more able, at times, do not provide sufficient challenge. Pupils' progress in other subjects is not tracked as effectively as it is in English and mathematics.

Information about this school

This school is an averaged-sized primary school and most of the pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils at the school is well above the national average. The term 'disadvantaged pupils' is used to describe those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and those who are looked after by the local authority. These pupils receive additional support from pupil premium funding.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is above the national average. The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care (EHC) plan is significantly above the national average. The school houses a specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs (the designated provision), currently providing education for 18 pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an EHC for cognition and learning difficulties.

The designated provision serves all areas of Warrington. Academic standards at the school meet the government's current floor standards. These are the minimum expectations for pupils' progress and attainment in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6.

The school offers full-time early years provision in the Reception and Nursery classes. The school offers provision for two-year-olds. Children attend on a part-time basis, either mornings or afternoons.

The school runs a breakfast club. Since the last inspection a new Chair of the Governing Body has been appointed and the deputy headteacher has taken on the role of acting headteacher. The school has the following awards: Artsmark and Basic Skills Quality Mark.