Mendell Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a school that requires improvement Instability in leadership and staffing and weak teaching in the past mean that there are many gaps in pupils' learning. Although pupils are now making more progress, their attainment is still below average by the end of Year 6.

In mathematics, the most and least able pupils are not given sufficiently demanding work. The quality of writing in subjects other than English does not reflect the standards of which the pupils are capable. The standard of pupils' presentation and handwriting is too variable within classes and across the school.

The additional funding to develop physical education (PE) and sport is leading to ...improvements. However, the school does not have clear measures to assess the precise impact of the work in this area. The school has the following strengths Since their appointment almost two years ago, the headteacher and deputy headteacher have provided very strong leadership.

This has led to clear improvements in most aspects of the school's work. The governors are knowledgeable and committed. They have provided continuity during a turbulent period in the school's history.

They have recruited strong senior leaders and supported them in eliminating weak teaching and in stabilising staffing. Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They plan lessons well, make good use of questioning and present high challenges for most pupils.

They work very effectively with teaching assistants to support pupils' learning. Safeguarding is effective and pupils are safe at the school. The school provides appropriate support for families who need extra help.

The curriculum is well organised. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted well. Pupils behave well in and around the school.

In lessons, pupils of all ages work with great concentration. The results from the Year 1 phonics screening check have improved dramatically. They are above the national averages.

Provision in the early years continues to be good and children make good progress during their time there.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The great majority of pupils are of White British heritage, with English as their first language.

The proportion of pupils who receive support for SEND is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is well below the national average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for support through pupil premium funding is well above the national average.

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