Pennoweth Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Standards have improved considerably since the previous inspection and most pupils now attain at or above national averages in English and mathematics. Children in the Nursery and Reception, and pupils throughout the rest of the school, achieve well. All pupils share in the good progress throughout the school.

This includes disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, those supported by additional funding and more-able pupils. The school prepares pupils well for secondary school. Good teaching, combined with pupils' keenness to learn, is responsible for the good achievement.

Teachers have developed particularly effe...ctive methods of marking pupils' work and showing them how to improve it. Pupils behave well in school. Attendance has improved and pupils feel safe in school.

The headteacher and senior leadership team check the quality of teaching and learning rigorously. All staff and governors share in the school's determination to continue the improvements made since the previous inspection and aim for excellence. Outstanding care and support, especially for vulnerable pupils, are particular strengths of the school.

Pupils are very positive about their experiences in school, as are their parents and carers. This is a rapidly improving school, with the drive and capacity to improve further. It is not yet an outstanding school because: Teachers sometimes miss opportunities to develop pupils' writing skills outside of English lessons.

Not all teachers have benefited enough from observing the best teaching practice in the school to improve their own expertise.

Information about this school

Pennoweth Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school. The great majority of pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium, which is additional funding provided by the government for looked after children or pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well below average but rapidly increasing. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported through school action is below average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. In 2013 the school did not meet the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school operates a Nursery.

Children in Reception and pupils in Years 1 to 6 are taught in mixed-age classes. The school operates a breakfast club. Since the previous inspection there have been substantial changes in staffing, including a restructuring of the senior leadership team and some other teachers leaving and joining the school.

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