Squirrel Hayes First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher leads with determination and passion.

Governors and staff share her high expectations and, as a result, standards have risen to be broadly in line with those found nationally at the end of key stage 1. Governors know the school well and provide good challenge and support for school leaders. Disadvantaged pupils and those who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities make progress that is in line with other pupils nationally.

Teaching is good because teachers plan interesting activities, and expectations of pupils are clear. As a result, pupils make good progress from their starting points. Children make a st...rong start in Nursery and Reception because staff create a safe and nurturing environment.

Activities are interesting and support children to make good progress. The curriculum is broad and balanced. It promotes pupils' understanding of British values well.

Pupils behave well and show respect for one another. All staff are committed to the safety and welfare of pupils. They encourage pupils to do their best and not give up when they make mistakes.

Consequently, pupils feel secure and happy at school. Parents and carers are happy with the school. They are confident that their children are learning and making progress.

Recently appointed middle leaders are developing their skills and beginning to have an impact on the quality of teaching. In some lessons, adults do not ask questions that deepen pupils' understanding and do not plan activities to challenge the most able pupils. This limits the progress these pupils make.

Pupils use exciting vocabulary, which makes their writing interesting. However, weak handwriting, spelling and punctuation sometimes reduce the quality of pupils' writing.

Information about this school

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

Reception and Nursery children are taught in one class and there is one class in each year group in Year 1 to Year 4. Nursery children join the school in the term after they are three years old and attend in the mornings. There is afternoon provision for pre-school children and a before- and after-school club on site, run by a private provider.

This is inspected separately. Almost all pupils are White British and speak English as their first language. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above average.

The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is high. Since the last inspection, a new chair of governors has been appointed. Three new teachers have joined the school in the past year.

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