Seaton Sluice First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

Seaton Sluice First School provides a good standard of education.

Pupils say they really enjoy coming to school and parents and carers are overwhelmingly supportive. Typical of the views held by parents is, 'My child asks to go to school even on the weekend! She always says, ''I love big school'' – what more can I say!' There are outstanding aspects of pupils' personal development. Behaviour, the degree to which they feel safe, preparation for their next stages in education, the way that they contribute to school life and the community, and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are all first-rate.

These qualities make pupils' outcomes excellent; however, pupils' learning and... progress fluctuate a little throughout the school. These minor patches of slower progress, particularly within Key Stage 1, do not however detract from the school's excellent promotion of equal opportunities. The vast majority of children enter the Nursery with skills and knowledge broadly typical for their age.

Good progress thereafter is demonstrated by the fact that by the end of Year 4, attainment is high when compared to that expected nationally for pupils of their age. This all makes pupils' achievement outstanding overall. The quality of teaching is good with some outstanding features.

Interesting lessons are planned from a remarkably rich and varied curriculum. Pupils are actively involved and assessment is used thoroughly, in most cases, to check children's understanding and challenge them further. The headteacher and the deputy headteacher make a strong team with a shared vision and determination to improve standards even further.

Good systems of self-evaluation allow them to possess a detailed knowledge of the school's strengths and weaknesses. Very good use has been made of the strong partnerships with other schools to enrich and strengthen the curriculum. Not least in the excellent opportunities for pupils to relate to others from different cultures and backgrounds, which enhance strongly their sense of community cohesion.

The school's good capacity to improve even further is demonstrated by the positive advances made since its last inspection. Standards are now high and behaviour is outstanding. The curriculum contains wider horizons for pupils and the Early Years Foundation Stage has been improved well in the respect of outdoor learning and a general focus on children initiating their own learning.

Information about the school

Seaton Sluice is smaller than other first schools nationally. The school is part of the Seaton Valley Learning Partnership of Schools that consists of eight schools, which provide for pupils aged three to 18 years. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities is broadly in line with the national average. There are currently no pupils with a statement of special educational needs. Almost all of the pupils are of White British heritage.

There are no pupils who speak English as an additional language. The school has Healthy School status and the Eco award. The majority of teaching staff work part-time and job share responsibilities.