Sacred Heart Catholic Voluntary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher has focused carefully on the areas for improvement identified during the previous inspection. The other senior leaders provide strong support. Leaders have made sure that improving the teaching of mathematics is a top priority.

Additional training and support have helped staff to develop their understanding of mathematics. The teaching of reading has been effective over time. Older pupils have the skills they need to succeed in their next school.

Pupils attend school regularly. They understand the high expectations the school has for their behaviour. Pupils say they feel safe and secure.

Older pupils often support... the younger pupils. Pupils have good opportunities to take up roles where they have responsibility. The school teaches a good range of subjects.

There is a very good range of additional artistic and sporting activities available. Many of the pupils participate regularly. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural provision is very strong.

Children in the Reception Year get off to a good start. They are able to participate in a good range of activities and make good progress. The governing body has a good range of skills and experience.

The governors have started to hold school leaders to account more effectively. It is not yet an outstanding school because : A few elements of pupils' writing skills need to improve further, especially for some of the younger pupils. Some pupils do not always try as hard as they might when they find work difficult.

Not all disadvantaged pupils are yet making as much progress as they could. The systems used by the school to check the progress of these pupils still need further development.

Information about this school

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

The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium, which is additional funding for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, or who are looked after by the local authority, is below average. These pupils are referred to in this report as disadvantaged. Most pupils are of White British background.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is below average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is also below average, although it has recently increased. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disability is below average.

The proportion with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is also below average. The current headteacher took up post in September 2014. The deputy headteacher is also relatively new in post.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school has received additional support from the South Nottingham Catholic Teaching School Alliance and the Loughborough Learning Alliance. A national leader of education has also provided additional support.