South Petherton Church of England Infants and Pre School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Pupils make an excellent start to their education. By the end of Year 2, their attainment in all subjects is above average.

Teachers offer the right degree of support and challenge to all groups of pupils, so progress is consistently excellent, including for those supported by pupil premium funding. This represents outstanding achievement. Teachers use their excellent knowledge of pupils' interests and needs to prepare engaging learning experiences.

Lessons are purposeful and fun. Pupils show a great appetite for learning and listen closely to what teachers say. This means they get on with their tasks enthusiastically and their le...arning is outstanding.

Very occasionally, planning lacks the required detail and lessons do not run as smoothly as they should. The marking of pupils' work is outstanding. Pupils' efforts receive detailed comments that offer both praise and constructive advice.

Time is offered for pupils to read these comments and act on them, this has a very positive impact on their progress. Excellent behaviour is the norm. Pupils say they feel safe and happy at school and know they are well cared for.

Relationships between pupils and with adults are almost universally excellent; as one pupil reported, 'Bullying very rarely happens.' The headteacher's quiet determination and commitment to the school's policy of 'growing together' have been fully adopted by all members of the staff team. Checks on teaching and pupils' progress are accurate and have led to a relentless drive to raise standards.

The school has made positive strides since its previous inspection and its plans for the future are relevant and achievable. The governing body undertakes regular checks on all aspects of school life. Members' analysis of this information enables the governors to ask challenging questions of school leaders and to participate fully in the school's decision-making process.

Information about this school

This is a smaller-than-average-sized infants school. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium (additional funding for looked after children, pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and those from service families) is below the national average. Almost all pupils are of White British origin and speak English as their first language.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average. The school does not use any alternative provision for its pupils (lessons that take place regularly away from school).

Also at this postcode