Morley Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school.

Pupils make outstanding progress and they engage in memorable learning experiences which promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development exceptionally well. Standards are well above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics by the time pupils leave school. Their achievement is excellent because of teachers' high expectations and the headteacher's rigorous review of performance.

However, pupils' exercise books in Years 1 and 2 show that they sometimes spell key words and subject-specific words incorrectly. Children make rapid progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage from low starting points and move into Year 1 with attainment th...at matches that seen nationally. They make particularly fast progress in linking letters to sounds (phonics) but during independent activities, their progress is slower.

This is because planning for these activities does not identify precisely what children are meant to learn. Teaching in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Years 1 and 2 is rapidly improving as new staff are learning from best practice in the school. Teaching is outstanding, particularly in Years 3 to 6.

Teachers make learning come alive as they relate it to real-life issues, carefully model what is expected and regularly check pupils' understanding. Staff are vigilant to the needs of all pupils and this contributes to the exceptional progress of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs. Behaviour is exemplary and pupils demonstrate excellent attitudes to learning.

They persevere when tasks are difficult and they are taught how to get over their sticking points. The school is a safe and happy place where everyone is respected. Outstanding leadership has ensured that the correct priorities for continuous improvement are identified.

The headteacher's leadership of teaching is excellent. Performance management, monitoring and target setting are rigorous and the headteacher encourages staff to use their creative flair such as using drama, film and music to plan exciting lessons. This contributes to the outstanding curriculum.

Information about the school

This is a smaller than average-sized school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below the national average. The number of pupils moving into the school at other times than the official start of the school year is high and many of these have learning difficulties.

The proportion of pupils supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds and there are no pupils at an early stage of acquiring English as an additional language. Pupils are taught in three mixed-age classes.

Children in Reception are taught alongside pupils from Years 1 and 2. The school has gained The Basic Skills Quality Mark, Activemark, the Eco-schools silver award, the Derbyshire Anti-Bullying Commitment award and has National Healthy Schools status. The school meets current floor standards which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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