South End Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Standards have risen since the last inspection as a result of the vision and strong leadership of the headteacher and governors. Pupils reach above-average standards and do particularly well in reading and mathematics. Lessons are lively and interesting.

Work is carefully planned to build on what pupils of different abilities know and are able to do. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. They appreciate the help the teachers give them to improve their work.

Pupils behave well and say they feel safe at school. They are proud of their school and enjoy the many opportunities it offers, particularly those which allow them to t...ake responsibility. Teaching has improved.

Underperformance has been tackled. Robust appraisal and effective approaches to continually improving teaching are now well established. Leaders at all levels are carrying out elements of the school's 'excellence plan' to bring about further improvements.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils are not doing as well in writing as they are in reading and mathematics. Although the school is taking steps to help pupils make faster progress in writing, standards are not as high as they could be. Opportunities for pupils to find things out for themselves, in subjects other than English and mathematics, are not always taken by teachers.

On occasions, this prevents pupils from making faster progress.

Information about this school

The school is larger than most primary schools. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is much lower than the national average.

Very few pupils speak English as an additional language. A greater than average proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs are at school action (pupils who need extra support with their learning), but fewer than average are at school action plus or have a statement of special educational needs. The proportion of pupils supported through the pupil premium additional funding, including those known to be eligible for free school meals, is less than half the national average.

There is no alternative provision made for pupils to learn at places away from the school. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for attainment and progress. About three quarters of the teaching staff has changed since the last inspection.

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