Sixpenny Handley First School and Nursery

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Standards in reading and writing at the end of Year 2 and Year 4 are above average. The headteacher has demonstrated clear vision and a relentless determination to raise pupils' achievement. Teaching is good overall in all classes.

Lessons interest pupils and help them achieve well. Additional adults provide good support to disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. Consequently, these groups of pupils make good progress.

Children in the Reception class get off to a good start. Adults plan exciting activities which encourage children to show positive attitudes to all aspects of learning. Behaviour in lessons ...is good.

Pupils treat each other with respect and look after each other well. Pupils' good behaviour contributes to a calm and purposeful atmosphere. Attendance is above average and pupils say they feel safe and secure at all times.

Pupils' cultural development is promoted well across a range of interesting lessons and has improved since the last inspection. Governors have a detailed knowledge of the school's strengths and weaknesses. They hold school leaders to account and challenge them to improve the school.

Adults and children create a warm and welcoming environment. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Not all teachers provide regular opportunities for pupils to improve their work as a result of teachers' marking and advice.

Some pupils do not always present their work to the highest standard. High-attaining pupils are not sufficiently challenged in mathematics.

Information about this school

This school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

Pupils are taught in four classes, some of which are mixed age: Reception; Years 1 and 2; Years 2 and 3 and Year 4. Almost all pupils are from White British backgrounds and all speak English as a first language. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below the national average.

This is additional government funding to help pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals or who are in the care of the local authority. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is above average. Three of the four teachers were appointed to start in September 2014.

Early years provision in the Reception class is full time. A breakfast and after-school club is provided by the school. The school plans to join The Holt Heath Multi Academy Trust in September 2015.