Pennine Way Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

Pennine Way is a good school. Pupils, parents and carers and staff are overwhelmingly positive about it. One parent/carer commented on their child being, 'happy, secure and learning well', a view which represented that of the vast majority.

Pupils achieve well. From well-below average starting points, they attain above average standards overall by the end of Year 6. Attainment by the end of Key Stage 1 is broadly in line with the national average but the numbers reaching Level 3 are below average.

Teaching is good. Some lessons were outstanding, although there are a few minor inconsistencies in the quality of teaching. The school provides good support for disabled pupils and those who have spe...cial educational needs.

As a result, these pupils make good, and in some cases, better progress than similar pupils nationally. The headteacher, teachers and teaching assistants work well together to ensure that all groups of pupils are highly engaged in their learning. Occasionally, targets are not fully understood by all pupils.

Teachers' marking does not always provide precise detail on how pupils can improve their work. Pupils behave exceptionally well in lessons and around the school. They have high levels of respect for each other and for staff and visitors to the school.

Those who join the school other than at the usual times are quickly made to feel part of an extremely strong school community. Pupils' academic and personal development are given equal importance giving them great confidence to move to the next stage in their education. These aspects, together with the well-planned curriculum, significantly support pupils' excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

The headteacher and staff know the school's strengths and weaknesses. Performance management is used well to improve the quality of teaching and make effective staff changes. Since the last inspection there have been a number of recent and significant improvements which are accelerating progress, particularly in Key Stage 2.

Key leaders have embedded a more creative curriculum but more challenge is needed for the more able in Reception and Key Stage 1.

Information about the school

This is an average-sized primary school. The vast majority of pupils are White British.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is well-above average as is the proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals. The school holds the Sports Activemark Award, Healthy Schools status, Foundation Stage International Award, Bronze Eco Award and Gold Inclusion Awards. It meets the government's floor standard, which sets minimum expectations for attainment and progress in English and mathematics.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms