Old Hall School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The quality of teaching is good.

As a result, pupils achieve well, making good and often rapid progress in their reading, writing and mathematics. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage have activities that are very closely matched to their diverse needs; consequently, they achieve exceptionally well. Teachers have a detailed knowledge of all aspects of their pupils' development and they expect a great deal of them.

Pupils' behaviour is outstanding and their attendance is good. They thoroughly enjoy coming to school. Almost all incidents of misbehaviour are closely linked to pupils' assessed needs, notably autism.

Pupils' ...enthusiasm for learning is stimulated by the wide range of subjects and activities they have and excellent use of communication aids. There are strong links with the local authority and partnership schools which provide rigorous checks and support for the school's work. The staff provide high-quality care for the pupils and this is one of the reasons pupils feel safe and free from bullying.

The headteacher has quickly established herself as a strong and assertive leader. She has drawn together an effective team that is providing good leadership. Monitoring of teaching is robust and clearly helping to raise standards.

Under the guidance of a new Chair of the Governing Body, governors have become better informed about the work of the school. This has helped maintain the school's effectiveness since the previous inspection. It is not yet an outstanding school because: Progress in writing and mathematics is not consistent across all classes.

Very occasionally, worked is not planned sufficiently precisely in Years 1 to 6 so that it challenges all pupils sufficiently to achieve as well as they should.

Information about this school

Old Hall is a smaller than average size primary school. It provides education for pupils with complex needs, mainly those with profound and multiple learning difficulties and those with a diagnosis of autism.

A few have life limiting or deteriorating conditions. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic heritages is well above average as is the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language.

A well above average percentage of pupils are supported through additional funding (known as the pupil premium) because they are looked after or are eligible for free school meals. The headteacher took up her position in April 2014, following several years as deputy headteacher of the school. Interviews for a replacement deputy are to be held before the end of the summer term.