Pendock CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The headteacher's strong drive for school improvement is shared by all staff. Leaders have a good, accurate understanding of the strengths of the school and areas for further development. Achievement in reading is outstanding.

The school has focused effectively on pupils' achievement in writing, which is good and improving. The quality of teaching is good throughout the school. Teachers plan work that is well matched to pupils' abilities so that all groups achieve well.

Children enjoy a good start to their education in the early years and make good progress in their first year at school. The curriculum is enriched by many educat...ional visits and a wide range of extra activities. Pupils are exceptionally well cared for and are treated as individuals.

As a result, they grow in self-esteem and confidence. Pupils behave exceptionally well both in lessons and on the playground. Consequently they feel very safe.

They have excellent attitudes to learning and enjoy working together. The governing body is effective in supporting and challenging the school, working well with staff to improve teaching and achievement. Attendance rapidly improved last year and is currently above the national average.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teachers do not always use marking, equipment or visual aids effectively to develop pupils' learning in mathematics. Pupils do not have enough opportunities to develop their mathematical skills by practising them in other subjects. The targets leaders and governors set to improve teaching and achievement are not always precise enough to be helpful.

Information about this school

The school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium (additional government funding to support pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals or looked after by the local authority) is below average at just less than a fifth. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported by school action is well below average at one in twenty.

However, the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well above average, at a third. Provision of the early years is full time. The school runs a breakfast club.