St James’ Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Pupils enjoy school, feel safe and their attendance is above average.

Their good manners, caring and friendly attitudes and willingness to help and support each other are impressive. All groups of pupils achieve well, including those who are disabled or have special educational needs, those learning to speak English and those who are disadvantaged. By the end of Year 6, attainment is broadly in line with national averages in reading, writing and mathematics.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted very well. The curriculum provides a rich range of learning and extra activities. Pupils learn traditional British values... and grow into responsible individuals, who respect and appreciate different cultures and religions.

The early years provision gives children a good start and a firm foundation to their learning. Pupils are taught well. Behaviour in lessons is often excellent.

Activities build on pupils' enthusiasm, making them want to learn more, so they work hard and progress well. Parents rightly agree that their children are happy, kept safe and make good progress at school. Senior leaders, staff and governors are totally committed to providing the best for every pupil.

Since the previous inspection, attainment has risen. Progress is accelerating, the quality of teaching is improving and there is strong capacity for further improvement. It is not yet an outstanding school because : The quality of teaching is improving securely, but does not yet result in outstanding achievement.

Attainment in mathematics lags behind that in other subjects. In Key Stage 1, achievement in writing has improved but is not as strong as in other subjects.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average primary school.

The majority of pupils are of Pakistani heritage, about one third are White British and others come from a range of European and Asian heritages. More pupils move into and out of the school than the national average and many are international new arrivals, who know little or no English. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is well above the national average.

The pupil premium is additional government funding to support pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and those children who are looked after by the local authority. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is just below the national average. Early years provision is housed in a separate building, and is part-time for children in the Nursery and full-time for children in the Reception class.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school offers a daily breakfast club. Since the time of the previous inspection, there have been a number of staffing changes, and new governor appointments, including the Chair of the Governing Body.