Ramsey Spinning Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Children in Early Years Foundation Stage make an excellent start to their learning and are well prepared for Year 1. The caring and supportive approach ensures that all children settle in quickly.

From starting points well below those expected for their age, the pupils make good progress to reach levels of attainment in line with national averages by the time they leave at the end of Year 2. The quality of teaching is good. It is sometimes outstanding.

Teachers know the needs of the pupils well, and use their good subject knowledge well to plan lessons. Pupils behave well in lessons and say they feel safe. They are polite, friendly and w...ell mannered.

Teaching assistants are skilful. They provide effective support for disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs to enable them to make at least good progress. Attractive displays of pupils' work throughout the school create an exciting learning environment for all pupils.

The headteacher provides clear leadership. She is well supported by an effective governing body and committed senior leadership team. The school plays a leading role in the further development of education in the local area.

Parents overwhelmingly support the work of the school, and say their children are happy and like coming to school. It is not yet an outstanding school because : The best practice in the school is not fully shared to help all teachers move their teaching to outstanding. Sometimes teachers spend too long talking, so pupils do not have enough time to complete their work.

The effectiveness of marking is variable. It does not always tell pupils what they must do to improve their work further.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized infant school.

Most pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average. The proportion of pupils for whom the school receives the pupil premium (which in this school provides additional funding for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals or looked after by the local authority) is below average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is above average. The proportion supported at school action plus or through a statement of special educational needs is below average. The headteacher was appointed in April 2013, to support and lead the local junior school, at the request of the local authority, as well as her current role.