South Marston Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

School leaders, backed by a strong team of teachers and other staff, have ensured that standards in English, mathematics and other subjects are consistently above average and achievement is good. The governing body holds the school robustly to account for its performance and its management of the finances. Excellent personal, spiritual, moral, social cultural development is at the heart of the school's success and underpins all of the school's strengths.

Teaching is good with some examples of outstanding practice. Pupils are clear about what they are expected to learn and the work is set at the right level to meet their needs. The way su...bjects are taught is exciting and well planned and meets the needs of all pupils very well.

Pupils' behaviour is outstanding. Pupils are eager to learn and they are unreservedly polite and caring of one another. They enjoy the community aspect of their school and consequently their attendance is above average.

Pupils feel very safe and well cared for. They enjoy taking responsibility for particular areas of school life, such as keeping the playground safe and they are proud of being an 'eco-friendly school'. Support staff who work with pupils in need of additional help are making a strong contribution to pupils' strong achievement.

The wide variety of themes and activities provided by the school ensures that pupils develop skills in a broad range of subjects and are well prepared for their next stage of education. It is not yet an outstanding school because : The proportion of outstanding teaching across the school is not high enough. There are missed opportunities for pupils to reflect and act on their teachers' marking and guidance to make the necessary improvements.

Teaching in the Early Years Foundation Stage is not of an even quality.

Information about this school

This is a smaller than average-sized primary school. Just under 10 per cent of pupils are known to be eligible for additional funding through the pupil premium (additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals or who are looked after by the local authority.

) This proportion is smaller than the national average. Just under 10 per cent of pupils attending this school are from minority ethnic groups, which is in line with the national average. Fewer than six per cent of pupils at the school do not speak English before they come to school.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is about six per cent. Around two per cent of pupils are supported at school action plus or have a statement of special educational needs. These proportions are low compared with national averages.

The school meets the current government's floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. There is an additional Ofsted registered pre-school provision on the school site which is subject to a separate inspection. The current headteacher took up his post shortly before this inspection took place, in January 2013.