Neston Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The school is a happy and caring community. Leaders have created a purposeful atmosphere where pupils learn well because they feel safe and nurtured.

The outstanding headteacher has a clear vision of what the school should be. He is well supported by the deputy headteacher, other staff and governors. Together their skills are driving improvements in teaching and the achievement of pupils.

Teaching is good. As a result, pupils engage well with adults and learn at a good pace. Achievement is good.

Pupils' progress has improved strongly since the last inspection, including that of the most able, the disadvantaged and those who have ...special educational needs or disability. Children settle quickly into Reception and make excellent progress because of outstanding teaching and leadership. The culture of the school is helping pupils to develop a strong sense of responsibility and an understanding of tolerance and equality which are at the heart of British values.

Pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning are excellent. They are proud of their school and appreciate the work of their teachers. Parents indicate how pleased they are with their children's progress and the stimulating curriculum which ignites pupils' enthusiasm.

Many visits and after-school clubs enrich learning. The governing body supports and challenges the school effectively. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils do not make as much progress in writing as they do in reading and mathematics.

New systems to track pupils' progress are not fully established.

Information about this school

Neston is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The large majority of pupils come from White British backgrounds, although the number of pupils who speak English as a second language is increasing.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is above average. This additional government funding supports pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and those looked after by the local authority. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disability is above average.

A large number of pupils join and leave the school other than at the usual times. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

The school holds a number of awards in recognition of its work. These include Sainsbury's school games mark gold and the Eco-schools green flag, which recognises the school's work to make pupils aware of the importance of preserving and protecting the natural environment. The school was recently identified as an attachment friendly school, which is awarded in recognition of the school's excellent work in providing for children who have been adopted from care.