Sandal Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and governors have shown an absolute determination to improve all aspects of the school's performance since the previous inspection. They are ambitious about what pupils can achieve.

The headteacher leads with passion and purpose. She has an accurate understanding of the school's strengths and areas for further improvement. She is determined to move it towards becoming outstanding.

Teachers plan lessons that engage pupils and move their learning forward. As a result, pupils make good progress from their starting points. Pupils' attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is high.

The rate of progress has been slightly ...slower in upper key stage 2, due to some inconsistencies in teaching in the past. However, these have now been addressed. As a result, the trajectory of progress at upper key stage 2 is improving.

Leaders are highly effective in promoting pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils develop an informed understanding of global issues and show high levels of respect and consideration for others. Pupils are extremely polite and their behaviour is excellent.

Pupils are, rightly, very proud of their school. They enjoy learning, attend school regularly and are independent, confident and articulate. Pupils benefit from a curriculum which broadens their experiences.

It enhances their understanding of different cultures and their own community. The school staff are all committed to the development of the wider curriculum. Children get off to a flying start in early years and make exceptional progress.

This is because : they experience outstanding care and a wide range of exciting activities. Children leave Reception very well prepared for Year 1. Parental involvement is developing although the school is aware that its links between home and school are not fully developed.

Pupils' writing is of a high standard and a consistent quality across all subjects. Work is presented well and handwriting is neat. Spellings are usually accurate in writing books; however, they are not as consistent in other curriculum areas.

Middle leaders are developing their skills and benefit from good training and support. Many are relatively new to their roles but have already had a positive impact on their subjects. Leaders make regular checks on the quality of teaching.

Leaders recognise that the next step for middle leaders is to ensure that their work supports school improvement as part of the whole-school development plan.

Information about this school

The school is much larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils supported through the pupil premium is significantly less than the national average.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. There are exceptionally few pupils who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils who have support for SEN and/or disabilities is half the national average.

The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. Children in the early years receive part-time education in the Nursery.

In Reception, they receive full-time education. There have been significant changes in teaching staff since the previous inspection. The school organises an early morning breakfast club.

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