Mount Wise Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Teaching is rapidly improving, as a result of regular checks on pupils' progress and the quality of teaching. Pupils behave well.

They enjoy their work and have positive attitudes to learning. As a result, they make good or better progress. Children make a positive start in the Nursery and Reception Years.

They are well supported and as a result, make good progress. Pupils' achievement in reading, writing and mathematics has risen since the previous inspection. Progress is particularly good in reading and writing, but not so rapid in mathematics.

Pupils say that they feel safe in school. They enjoy positive relationships with ea...ch other and adults. They know who to see if they have any concerns.

Since the last inspection the size and capacity of the leadership team have been increased. As a result, leadership and management are good because : teaching has improved and pupils now make good progress. A number of governors are new to their role.

Nevertheless, they are now more confident in challenging leaders and holding them to account for the school's performance. They are rapidly developing a good understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils do not have enough opportunities to practise their writing and mathematical skills in different subjects.

Teachers do not always give clear advice in their marking on how pupils can improve their work. Middle leaders do not always have the time to use the information to plan the support for disabled pupils or those who have special educational needs.

Information about this school

This school is slightly smaller than the average-sized primary school.

Since the last inspection there has been a high turnover of staff. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below the national average. The proportion of pupils supported through school action plus or who have a statement of special educational needs is above average.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils in this school, who are known to be eligible for free school meals, is well above average. Additional government funding, known as the pupil premium, supports these pupils. The large majority of pupils are from a White British heritage, with an increasing number from other ethnic backgrounds.

The school met the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The Early Years Foundation Stage is made up of part-time Nursery provision for three- and four-year-olds, and a Reception class. The school is part of the South West Plymouth Education Trust, a group of six local schools supporting and working with each other to help raise standards.