Middlefield Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The leadership and management of the school are outstanding. The headteacher has a clear vision of how pupils learn best.

This translates into a rich, broad and practical range of learning opportunities, where pupils make rapid progress. In 2014, rates of progress improved significantly, particularly across Key Stage 2. Nearly all pupils in all year groups achieved exceptionally well.

Attainment is currently well above average in reading, writing and mathematics. Teaching is outstanding. Work is planned to challenge all abilities, including the most able.

Teachers have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Childr...en make good progress in the Reception class, but do not make as much progress as the older pupils. Pupils have sufficient time to apply their communication, literacy and numeracy skills in practical activities, which consolidates their understanding and increases their knowledge.

Pupils achieve well in reading but as yet do not have a natural love of literature because : they do not read widely enough. Teaching assistants provide excellent support to individual pupils ensuring that disabled pupils and those with special educational needs now make rapid progress. Attendance has improved and is now above average.

This reflect pupils' very positive attitudes and the high expectations the school has of parents in ensuring their children attend regularly and get the best out of school. Behaviour in classrooms, outside and in public places is exemplary. The school's values, based on mutual respect, tolerance and kindness are constantly apparent in the harmonious way pupils relate to each other and adults.

Specialist teaching in music, dance, art and physical education, plus visits, enhance the rich and varied learning experiences. The headteacher is an inspirational leader who successfully inspires other school leaders in the collective drive to achieve excellence, including high quality teaching. Team spirit is strong and staff value opportunities to develop their own skills.

Governors are highly committed and contribute well to the school's shared values and aims. They use a wide range of professional skills to challenge the school about its performance.

Information about this school

Middlefield Primary Academy is smaller than the average-size primary school.

The school converted to academy status in June 2012. When the predecessor school, Middlefield Primary was last inspected by Ofsted it was judged to be good. The school is the lead school in the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust.

The Trust has four other schools in the neighbourhood three of which it sponsors. This is a one-form entry school where children begin the Early Years Foundation Stage in the Reception class. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported at school action is well above the national average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is average. The proportion of pupils supported through the pupil premium is well below the national average.

The pupil premium is additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children in local authority care. The headteacher is the executive headteacher of the other four academy schools and provides strategic direction to their governors and staff. The school meets the government's floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics.