St Aidan’s Church of England Memorial Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher has been the driving force behind the school's rapid improvements. Her clear-sighted ambition for the school is fully supported by other leaders and by the staff team. Thorough systems for checking the quality of teaching has resulted in well-targeted improvements.

Teaching is now good and improving. Pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics and in other subjects such as French and PE. Disadvantaged pupils make good progress.

School leaders now ensure that they identify and address anything which may prevent these pupils from learning well. Teachers engage pupils well with interesting, carefully planned... lessons which build pupils' knowledge and understanding progressively. Teaching assistants provide effective guidance to ensure that pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress.

The early years is good. Dedicated staff help children to settle quickly. Their meticulous records of children's learning ensure that they know what to do next to help children progress well.

Pupils' behaviour is outstanding. They have excellent attitudes to learning and want to do their best. Harmonious playtimes are enhanced by a range of games and equipment which occupy pupils well.

Spiritual, moral social and cultural development is excellent. Pupils are provided with rich experiences which enable them to think more deeply. Effective safeguarding combined with very strong relationships with staff mean that pupils feel extremely safe in school.

The support provided by the inclusion manager is highly valued. The curriculum successfully engages pupils in learning through a range of enriching visits supplemented by visitors to school. Extremely thoughtful opportunities are provided to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain and to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Parents have confidence in the school. They recognise the improvements that have been made and enjoy the opportunities to participate in their children's learning.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported through the pupil premium is twice the national average. Almost all pupils are White British.

The vast majority of pupils speak English as their first language. The proportion of pupils who have support for special educational needs and/or disabilities is above average. The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below average.

In the early years children attend the Nursery class for five mornings or five afternoons each week. In the Reception Year children attend full time. The school organises a breakfast club.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The headteacher took up post in January 2015. Three other teachers have joined the school since the last inspection.