Netherton Moss Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Progress is good and pupils leave school reaching the level expected for their age in reading, writing and mathematics.

The school deserves its good reputation for supporting pupils with special educational needs. They are helped sensitively and make good progress in their social development, as well as extending their academic skills. Provision for children in the early years is effective; they settle happily and make good progress.

Overall, teaching is good. Imaginative activities often lead to pupils becoming engrossed in their learning. This is a welcoming and happy school.

Behaviour is good and pupils are polite and friendl...y. They say they feel safe and know staff are always at hand to help them. The many links with other schools and agencies enhance teachers' skills and expand pupils' opportunities for effective learning.

The focus on raising pupils' aspirations for the future is high. The curriculum is rich and exciting. Whole-school topics unite pupils as they all learn about the same, albeit at different levels.

Examples of the outcomes are often of very high quality, showing strengths in many subjects. The headteacher has secured a strong team of leaders, teachers and support staff. Close checks on teaching and pupils' progress lead to an accurate view of how well the school is doing and where it could do better.

Actions are prompt and teaching and achievement are improving securely. Governors carry out their duties in a very organised manner and ensure the school goes from strength to strength. It is not yet an outstanding school because : In Key Stage 1, attainment in writing and reading, although much improved, is not yet high enough.

Teachers do not always set work at the correct level for pupils, especially the most able. Teachers often write comments to improve pupils' work but do not always ensure pupils respond to them. Some governors do not have a full view of what is happening in school.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is above the national average. The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged and eligible for support through the pupil premium is well above the national average.

The pupil premium is additional funding for those who are known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority. There are very few pupils from minority ethnic groups. The number of pupils who join or leave the school throughout the school year is high.

The school meets the government's current floor target, which is the minimum expectation for pupils' attainment in English and mathematics. Children attend the Nursery on a part-time basis. Since the previous inspection, the school has had a new headteacher and several new members of staff.