St Helen’s Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher has established a culture of high expectation that has transformed the learning environment. She has inspired her wider team to decisively improve the academic progress and personal welfare of pupils.

The headteacher has built a strong senior leadership team which works closely with colleagues to support progress. This team ethos has made a significant contribution to school improvements since the last inspection. Teachers have used research and training effectively to improve the quality of teaching.

These processes have led to marked improvements in pupils' outcomes. Leaders and teachers engage purposefully with parents ...and the wider community. These partnerships enhance pupils' outcomes and personal well-being.

Governors are committed to the school and the wider community. Their combination of community awareness and educational insight have been important influences in the school's improvement journey. Middle leaders are developing their roles to enhance the curriculum and the quality of teaching.

They are taking increasing responsibility for checking standards. Teachers and teaching assistants are highly attentive to the needs of vulnerable pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This enables these pupils to develop emotional resilience and make good progress.

Subject leaders are building a broad and rich curriculum while also developing their own leadership skills. Some aspects of the school's work on British values are less developed. High expectations, effective teaching and caring relationships help children in the early years to make good progress.

Pupils show care and consideration towards one another and adults. They express their views openly as they know that their views are valued. Leaders have introduced effective systems to support the progress, attendance and wider development of disadvantaged pupils.

Although some differences in attendance and attainment remain, disadvantaged pupils make good progress. While the overall quality of teaching is good, there remains some variance in quality in a small number of classes.

Information about this school

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

A new deputy headteacher and two assistant headteachers have been appointed since the previous inspection. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is well above average. The majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds.

The proportion of pupils with SEND support is broadly average, although the proportions are above average in some year groups. Since the last inspection, provision for two-year-old children has been added to the Nursery. The school provides a breakfast club that is run by school staff.