St Matthew’s Church of England Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a school that requires improvement Over the last 18 months, the school has had four different headteachers and there has been considerable instability in staffing.

During that time, standards have declined. The quality of middle leadership is variable because some staff are new in post. Development plans are not precise.

The curriculum does not cover all the areas it should. It does not ensure progression in subjects other than English and mathematics. The quality of teaching is inconsistent.

Some teachers have not yet adapted to the demands of teaching age groups that are new to them. Others have an insecure command of the subjects they are t...eaching. Teachers do not make effective use of questioning to check on, and extend, pupils' understanding.

Some pupils, especially girls, disadvantaged pupils and pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities are not making the progress of which they are capable in some subjects. Consequently, standards are too low. Teachers do not have a firm command of assessment processes.

Behaviour during playtimes and lunchtimes is not good enough. The playgrounds are unattractive and ill equipped and pupils do not have enough to do during playtimes. Although there has been some improvement, attendance continues to be below average and too many pupils arrive late at school.

The information on the school's website is incomplete. The school has the following strengths The associate headteacher has an accurate view of the school. He has stabilised the staffing and gained the support of his colleagues and the governors in addressing the school's weaknesses.

Provision in the early years is well led and the youngest children make good progress from low starting points. Provision for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strong.

Information about this school

The school does not meet requirements on the publication of information on its website about attendance at governors' meetings and the PE and sport funding.

The school is much larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is higher than average. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is higher than average.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is higher than average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is also higher than average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6.