St James Church of England First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Teaching is outstanding because staff have exceptionally high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Teachers are very innovative and have the knack of introducing new learning in highly effective ways so that pupils make excellent progress.

The curriculum is especially well designed to promote achievement, interest and engage pupils. It provides highly relevant and exciting activities that make learning very meaningful. From Reception to Year 4, pupils achieve exceptionally well.

In reading, writing and mathematics attainment is high. Virtually all pupils reach at least the levels expected for their age and a much greater prop...ortion than seen nationally exceed them, albeit more so in English than mathematics. The promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.

Consequently, pupils' behaviour and safety awareness is excellent. The headteacher is highly ambitious for the school and in her strive for excellence she is exceptionally well supported by staff and governors. Teamwork is excellent so very effective strategies introduced by one teacher are quickly shared across the school.

These strengths are backed up by highly effective systems for checking on the school's work. Nothing less than excellence satisfies leaders; development planning and support for teaching are extremely effective. Governors' exceptionally strong commitment to first-hand monitoring ensures they are very well informed about teaching quality and its impact on pupils' achievement.

The school has made excellent progress since its previous inspection and is exceptionally well placed to maintain its high-quality provision and pupils' high achievement.

Information about this school

St James is a smaller than average-sized first school where pupils are taught in mixed-age classes. It serves a rural area and the number on roll is rising.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs supported by school action is broadly average, as is the proportion supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is below average although it is rising. Currently, no pupil speaks English as an additional language.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which provides funding for children in local authority care, children from service families and pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, is well below average. 'The Cottage' pre-school shares the school site and also provides before- and after-school care for St James' pupils. This is run by a private provider and was not inspected at this time.