Pennyman Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders set very high standards of behaviour and attitudes to learning. Pupils make good, and in some cases outstanding, progress.

Leaders and governors know the school well. They are realistic and accurate in their monitoring of the school's work. They are clear about what needs to be done to improve even further.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strong. School leaders prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain. Pupils treat each other and adults with respect.

The experienced and skilled governing body is a strength. Governors use their detailed knowledge of the school effectively to hold leaders ...to account for the actions they take. The early years provision is outstanding.

The leader has ensured that the learning environment is safe and stimulating. Children make excellent progress from their various starting points. Links with parents are strong.

Reading is well developed in the school. Pupils read regularly and enjoy talking about books. The home-school reading records are effective in engaging parents.

Behaviour is outstanding, both in lessons and around the school. Pupils show very positive attitudes to learning and a real care for each other. The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good.

Staff plan interesting tasks that, generally, motivate pupils well in their learning. Pupils are very well taught in the specialist provision for those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. This aspect of the school's work is very well led.

Disadvantaged pupils and pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress from their different starting points. Additional adults and teaching assistants are very effective. They are well deployed and trained.

They provide a very good service. At times, pupils do not have sufficient opportunities to write at length in subjects other than English. This is particularly the case in key stage 2.

The school deploys a wide range of effective strategies to ensure that pupils attend regularly.

Information about this school

The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish. The school does not meet requirements on the publication of information about the impact of pupil premium funding on its website.

The school is larger than the average primary school. The school is part of the Tees Valley Education Trust. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds.

The proportion of pupils with disabilities and those who have special educational needs supported by the school is above average. The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is well above average. The school has a large specialist unit provision for children with complex and significant medical, physical and associated learning, language and communication delays.

There are currently 53 pupils in this provision. A high proportion of specialist unit provision pupils are taught in inclusive resource classes. Most of these pupils have a statement of special educational needs.

The proportion of pupils eligible for support through the pupil premium is well above average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school has a breakfast club.