Nettlesworth Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. All pupils make at least good progress and achieve well over time from their starting points. They are keen to learn and they work hard to do well.

The quality of teaching is mostly good. Teachers know their pupils well and plan learning so that pupils develop the confidence to learn and reach standards that are often above the national average, particularly in reading and mathematics. Teaching assistants are well trained and give good support in lessons.

Children get off to a good start in the Reception class. They are exceptionally well cared for and quickly develop the confidence to explore the many exciting activities in their classr...oom. Pupils' behaviour and their excellent relationships with each other and their teachers are hallmarks of this warm, vibrant school.

Classrooms and the playground are happy places where pupils show great care and support for each other. Excellent pastoral care from all adults makes pupils feel safe and secure. Pupils have absolute trust in adults to look after them.

The curriculum is well planned to provide pupils with memorable learning experiences and give them frequent opportunities to develop independence and decision-making skills. Senior and middle leaders work closely to improve the school. Teamwork is very good and all staff contribute well to improving the school.

Governors are well informed about teaching and learning in the school. They are fully committed to developing the school and are proud of its contributions to the local community. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Occasionally the quality of teaching is not good.

Not enough of it is outstanding to result in pupils making outstanding progress. There are differences in the quality of what is provided in the indoor and outdoor learning areas in the Reception class. This results in children making slower progress when they are learning outdoors.

Information about this school

The school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is above average. (The pupil premium provides additional funding to support disadvantaged pupils and pupils looked after by the local authority.

) The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is below average. The vast majority of pupils are from White British heritage; the proportion who speak English as an additional language is very low. The school met the government's floor standards in 2013.

These are the minimum expectations for attainment and progress in English and mathematics at the end of Year 6. The school experiences a high proportion of pupils joining and leaving the school at other than the normal time. There have been some changes in staffing in the current school year, after a long period of stability.