Milborne St Andrew First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is good school. All groups of pupils achieve well. Over the last year pupils have made rapid progress and as a result their attainment is rising especially in writing.

By the time pupils leave the school in Year 4 many are reaching levels above those expected for their age most notably in reading and mathematics. Teaching is consistently good across the school with some outstanding aspects such as the way teachers engage pupils' interests. Very effective relationships help to create an excellent learning atmosphere.

Reading is taught well so that most pupils make strong progress. Any pupils whose progress dips are helped to catch up quickly. Pupils are mo...tivated in lessons and enjoy their learning.

They behave well and feel safe because the school provides a secure learning environment. The curriculum is organised well to provide better opportunities for pupils to practise and apply their writing skills. Pupils who need extra help with their learning receive effective support.

The new headteacher has taken firm steps to improve the quality of teaching by supporting teachers through appropriate training and the rigorous monitoring of their work. He is supported well by a knowledgeable and very effective governing body. It is not yet an outstanding school because: The proportion of outstanding teaching is not yet high enough to ensure all pupils' progress is rapid and sustained across all subjects.

Middle leaders, including subject leaders, do not make a full enough contribution to whole-school evaluation.

Information about this school

This school is smaller than the average size first school. The very large majority of pupils come from a White British background.

The new headteacher took up post in January 2012. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which is additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, children in local authority care and children with a parent or carer in the armed forces, is below the national average. Currently there are very few children with a parent or carer in the armed forces and very few children in local authority care.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs supported at school action is below the national average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average. The school is part of the Dorchester Area Schools Partnership and also the St Mary's Middle School mini pyramid partnership.

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