Simpson’s Lane Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

This is a good school.

It is not yet outstanding because attainment in writing is not as strong as in reading and mathematics, and punctuality remains an issue for a small number of pupils. Pupils achieve well. Children start school with skills and knowledge below those expected for their age.

They achieve well in the Early Years Foundation Stage and start to catch up with pupils of a similar age. Attainment is still below average when they enter Key Stage 1, but the gap is narrowing. Pupils make good progress overall, especially at the upper end of Key Stage 2, and leave Year 6 with broadly average attainment in English and mathematics, although attainment in writing is lower than that in rea...ding.

Teaching is good throughout the school. All lessons are characterized by outstanding relationships between adults and pupils, and by pupils' positive attitudes to learning. On a few occasions, teachers do not provide sufficient challenge for more-able pupils so that they are quickly able to reach a higher level.

Though always celebratory, marking does not inform pupils consistently about what they need to do to improve their work, so that they can make even better progress. Strong and trusting relationships underpin pupils' good behaviour. Pupils are positive about their school and say that bullying is rare.

Pupils have a good understanding of how to stay safe. The progress of a small number of pupils is slowed because they arrive late for lessons. Leadership and management are good at all levels; the headteacher has built a strong team who share the same ambitions and aspirations for the pupils in their care.

Good leadership of teaching and management of performance mean school self-evaluation is accurate and school development plans are exemplary. Staff morale is extremely high and the commitment of staff is recognised by parents, carers and pupils alike.

Information about the school

This is an average sized primary school.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is high. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. The proportions of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs are above average.

The school meets the current floor standards, which set the government's minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. Since the previous inspection, the school has experienced significant changes to the cohort of pupils due to a local authority amalgamation of two schools. The school has received several awards, including Investors in People, Sing-Up and Healthy Schools status.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms