St John’s CofE First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The strong leadership of the school has ensured that the quality of teaching is good and enables pupils from all groups to make good progress and attain well. Standards are above expectations in reading, writing and mathematics, by the time pupils leave for middle school at the end of Year 4.

The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well and this is a particular strength of the school. Teachers make sure that lessons are interesting and exciting to engage pupils. They make good use of computer technology to aid pupils' learning.

The teaching of phonics (the links between letters and the sounds they ma...ke) is good and this has led to pupils making a good start in learning to read. Children have a positive start in the Reception class and make good progress in all areas of learning for the Early Years Foundation Stage and especially in their personal and social development. Behaviour is good.

Pupils pay attention in lessons, are respectful of others and are keen to learn. Their attendance is above average. Systems to ensure that pupils are kept safe and healthy are rigorous.

Pupils say that they are happy and that they feel well looked after. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Not enough of the teaching and learning is consistently outstanding because at times the work that is set is too easy. Although pupils' progress in mathematics is good, it is not as strong as it is in reading and writing.

Information about this school

Saint John's Church of England Controlled First School is much smaller than the average-sized first school. Almost all of the pupils are White British and speak English as a first language. There are three classes.

Reception children are taught in one class, Years 2 and 3 are taught as one class and Years 3 and 4 as another. Since the previous inspection, there have been considerable changes to staffing, including the appointment of the present headteacher in 2008. The number of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is well below average.

There are none in some year groups. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is broadly average.