Millfield Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good school where pupils achieve well. Effective leadership has successfully addressed the issues identified in the previous inspection report. Pupils arrive at school with low levels of achievement.

They make good progress so that by Year 6 attainment is broadly in line with the national average. This is not an outstanding school because, although teaching is good and some lessons outstanding, important aspects are not yet consistent across the school. By the age of 11, pupils of all backgrounds and abilities have made good progress.

They attain broadly average standards in English and mathematics. As a result of improved teaching in Years 1 and 2, pupils' progress is accelerating a...nd attainment rising significantly from previously low levels to be in line with the national average. Imaginative topics and the effective use of outdoor learning enable pupils to achieve well in other subjects.

The core of teaching is good. Reception children benefit from well-organised and imaginative provision. Teaching in Years 1 and 2 has improved since the previous inspection and is securing good pupils' progress.

While achievement has improved, there is scope to accelerate further the pace of learning by improving the questioning skills of teachers and their assistants. Lessons in Years 2, 3 and 6 frequently proceed at a rapid pace as a result of exemplary teaching. While the marking of pupils' work in English is detailed and helpful, that in mathematics lacks similar rigour.

Arrangements for safeguarding are good. Without exception, pupils say they feel safe and well cared for. As a result of the school's consistent expectations and close working with families, their behaviour is good.

Staff and governors successfully communicate an ambitious vision for the school and strive for continuous improvement. While senior leaders successfully hold staff to account for the performance of the pupils they teach, there remains some variation in teaching quality. A rich curriculum provides well for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Information about the school

The school is of average size. The great majority of pupils are White British. Other groups represented include Irish and Irish Traveller backgrounds.

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are taught in one Nursery and a Reception Class. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils with disabilities and/or special educational needs is above average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is above average. This includes physically disabled and visually impaired pupils and those with specific learning, speech and language, and emotional and behavioural difficulties. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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