Meersbrook Bank Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

This is a good school. With few exceptions, pupils, parents and carers express very positive views about the education it provides.

One parent summed the school up very accurately by writing 'the warmth and friendliness that exudes from the place is a joy to behold.' Pupil achievement is good. From starting points in the Nursery class that are in line with age-related expectations, pupils in each key stage make good progress.

Attainment at the end of Year 6 has been broadly average for the last three years but under the school's new leadership team, rates of progress have improved significantly and current attainment is above average. Teaching is good in each key stage. There is a strong and s...uccessful focus on reading.

While the teaching of writing is bringing about steady improvement in attainment, there is some inconsistency, and as a result, improvement in writing is not as rapid as in reading. Marking is thorough. Pupils are praised for their achievements and given pointers for further improvement, though these are not consistently followed up to ensure that the improvements are made.

Pupils' behaviour is good and they say that they feel very safe in school. They enjoy their lessons and the enrichment activities that the school provides. They say that misbehaviour is rare and that any is dealt with effectively by their teachers.

There are good procedures in place for dealing with pupils who have difficulty in managing their own behaviour. Leadership and management are good. Senior and middle leaders know the school's strengths and areas for development well.

They have an ambitious vision for the school and effective systems are in place for bringing about further improvement. Governing body members are knowledgeable and actively involved in the life of the school.

Information about the school

Meersbrook Bank is an average-sized primary school.

Most pupils are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is broadly average. The percentage of pupils on the school's special educational needs register supported at school action is low.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is high. The school has achieved Artsmark Gold and was the first in Sheffield to receive the 'Investors in Diversity' award. The school has met government floor standards.

These are minimum standards set for pupils' attainment and progress. The head of school is supported by an executive headteacher for half a day each week. The governing body intends to appoint a permanent headteacher from September 2012.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms