Shirley Manor Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher has been persistent in her ambition to raise standards. Together with a team of middle leaders, she has made effective improvements over a short period of time. The leadership team is determined to continue to improve the education of all pupils within the school.

Outcomes for pupils are improving strongly. From their starting points, pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics. This includes disadvantaged pupils.

Over time, pupils' attainment is now moving closer to national expectations by the end of key stages 1 and 2. The headteacher is passionate to help children, whatever their background and abilit...y, to achieve their best. Her commitment is shared by the staff.

The quality of teaching is good. However, challenge for most-able pupils is not always evident, especially within mathematics and English lessons. As a result, very few pupils achieve greater depth of understanding or the higher standard in national tests.

Children get off to a good start in the early years. Leadership of early years is effective. Well-structured learning and a stimulating environment, along with strong teaching, mean children achieve well.

Most pupils behave well. They take pride in their school and feel that staff help them to be good role models. Pupils' attendance is improving.

In a short period of time, the attendance officer has provided excellent support to pupils and their families in reducing pupils' absence. Pupils take part in a variety of sports. They enjoy attending out of school clubs, such as football and tennis.

Leaders for English and mathematics undertake roles in monitoring, evaluating and improving provision. However, their actions are not always accurate and quick enough to make sure that the next steps taken help staff to develop their teaching. The headteacher has sought external support to further improve the teaching of mathematics.

Governors exercise their responsibilities thoroughly. They monitor how additional funding is accounted for and the difference it makes to pupils' learning and achievement. The governance of safeguarding is particularly strong.

Information about this school

Shirley Manor is smaller than an average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for support through the pupil premium is twice the national average. Ninety-two percent of pupils are from White British backgrounds; eight per cent of pupils are from other minority groups.

The headteacher joined the school in September 2016. Children in Reception class attend full-time. Children in the Nursery attend part-time.