Sawley Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher, very ably assisted by the deputy headteacher, has established a culture of high expectations which are clearly understood by staff and pupils alike.

Teachers make effective use of assessment to plan learning that is matched closely to the abilities of the pupils. Sequences of lessons build logically on previous learning, ensuring that pupils make strong progress. Teachers use their effective questioning skills and strong subject knowledge to explain new concepts to pupils clearly.

Pupils' books show that they make strong progress from their starting points. Occasionally in lessons, teachers do not provide additional chall...enge for some pupils quickly enough to maximise their progress. The special educational needs coordinator ensures that pupils with particular or complex needs are well supported.

Pupils feel safe in school. They develop a good knowledge of how to keep themselves safe in a variety of situations, including when they use the internet. Attendance overall is consistently above the national average for all pupils.

Not all disadvantaged pupils attend school regularly enough. There have been several changes to the leadership team this term. These leaders are developing the skills they need to be able to improve outcomes for pupils.

Plans to improve pupils' comprehension and inference skills are not fully embedded. Pupils behave very well in lessons and around school. They are polite and considerate to each other and to adults.

Leaders promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development very well. Pupils benefit from a range of experiences to enhance their cultural development. They demonstrate a secure and respectful understanding of cultures and religions that may be different to their own.

Leaders, including governors, analyse regularly the work of the school and the impact it has on the progress pupils make. They use this information to plan for improvements. However, they do not evaluate deeply enough the impact of their work to be able to plan for improvements with speed and precision.

The majority of parents spoke highly of the school. Several cited particular examples of leaders and teachers engaging well with parents to provide the support that their children need.

Information about this school

This is larger than the average-sized junior school.

The school converted to become part of the Willows Academy Trust in November 2014. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is just above the national average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well below the national average.

The majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is above average. The school meets the government's current floor standards.

These are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish.

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