St Michael With St John CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school because: Pupils from a low starting point on entry achieve well with the progress they make, exceeding what is expected. As a result, while overall attainment is below the national average, the gap between is narrowing. Good attention is given to the teaching of reading, writing and mathematics.

Daily early reading lessons are highly effective in ensuring younger pupils improve their reading skills. The quality of teaching is good overall with some examples of outstanding teaching. Teaching assistants provide valuable support to pupils.

Pupils are polite, behave well, have a good understanding of the importance of feeling safe and it is a... pleasure to talk to them. Attendance is high, reflecting pupils' enjoyment of school. Parents are happy with the school.

The community Galaxy centre is used effectvely to support the needs of the local community. Every opportunity is taken to promote pupils' spiritual ,moral, social and cultural devlopment, based on a school's strong emphasis on mutual respect. It is well led and managed by a headteacher who has a clear understanding of what needs to be done to improve teaching and thus pupils' achievement even further.

She receives good support from the senior leadership team and from the governing body. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teaching is not outstanding. In a minority of lessons teachers do not adapt planned activities effectvely enough to the needs of the pupils, especially the more able.

While the progress pupils make exceeds what is expected, it is not yet high. Pupils are not always made fully aware of how they can further improve the quality of their work.

Information about this school

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

The proportion of pupils supported through school action is above average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is broadly average. The percentage of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is in line with national figures.

The proportions of pupils from minority ethnic groups and whose first language is not English are well above average. The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for learning and progress. The school has achieved many awards including Eco status.