Sheepscombe Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The new headteacher is relentless in her pursuit for every pupil to succeed.

She has provided stability after a period of leadership transition. Pupils behave well and take care of each other. There is a strong sense of community and pride from staff and pupils.

Parents and carers are full of praise for the school's work. The headteacher has introduced a clear approach to teaching and learning. This has led to improvements in the quality of pupils' handwriting, presentation and mathematical fluency.

Leaders have improved the quality of teaching and the provision of feedback. Teachers identify misconceptions but are not always pre...cise enough in pinpointing what will improve pupils' progress. Pupils' fluency and confidence in mathematics have improved.

Pupils are enthused by the new approach. However, the most able pupils are not fully confident in explaining the reasoning behind their answers. Leaders and governors ensure that the curriculum supports pupils to develop their knowledge in a wide range of subjects.

Pupils thrive, both personally and academically, as a result of the varied experiences that the school offers. Subject leaders are knowledgeable about their areas of responsibility. Their understanding of how their roles align with wider school priorities is developing.

Children, who begin in early years, are well prepared for key stage 1, including in their understanding of phonics. Many exceed the standards expected for their age. A significant proportion of pupils join the school either mid-year or in years other than Reception.

Such pupils are well supported and are catching up with their peers. The needs of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are quickly identified. Pupils are making better progress as a result.

The rates of attendance for these two groups of pupils are improving. Governors have an accurate overview of the school's performance. They are clear about the spending of additional funding provided for disadvantaged pupils and for the development of sport, but less precise about its impact.

Pupils know how to keep themselves safe. However, the curriculum in key stage 2 does not allow pupils to consider all of the topics pertinent to their personal, social and health education at an age-appropriate level.

Information about this school

Sheepscombe Primary School is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The headteacher was appointed to this post permanently from September 2018. The majority of pupils are from a White British background. The school has four of the 17 ethnic groups set out in Ofsted's Inspection Data Summary Report.

The proportion of pupils with SEND, including those with an education, health and care plan, is higher than in most schools. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils who join the school either mid-year or at points other than in Reception is higher than is typical nationally.