St Michael’s RC Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and staff have built well on improvements evident at the previous inspection.

Standards are higher in reading, writing and mathematics. Outcomes in mathematics have particularly improved. Pupils have a strong grasp of mathematical vocabulary and do not give up when given tricky problems to solve.

Leaders and teachers work well together to develop the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. It is typically good in all key stages. Teachers expect pupils to work hard and pupils rise well to the challenge.

They have good and sometimes excellent attitudes to learning. The teaching of letters and the sounds that they make... (phonics) and grammar, punctuation and spelling are strong. In Key Stage 2, current pupils are using these skills well to become better writers.

The headteacher has a clear vision for improving the school. Staff share and believe in this vision, meaning that the school is moving forward well. Pupils enjoy school and feel safe.

The positive environment and conduct of both adults and pupils are testament to the school's clear ethos. Aspects of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are very strong. Pupils are not only tolerant but also proud of each other's similarities and differences.

Children do well in Nursery and Reception Year. They are well prepared for the challenges of Year 1. The governing body has a realistic picture of how well the school is performing.

Leaders at all levels have high aspirations for the school and its pupils. It is not yet an outstanding school because : The quality of subjects other than English and mathematics is not as strong as in these two subjects. Some strengths in teaching are less securely embedded at Key Stage 1.

Leaders do not use information about pupils' progress well enough to check that all groups of pupils do equally well.

Information about this school

This school is much larger than the average-sized primary school and the number of pupils is rising. The school serves pupils from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds.

The largest single group is those of White British heritage, although this represents less than one third of the total. Nearly half of all pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for pupil premium funding is slightly higher than the national average.

This is additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals or looked after by the local authority (disadvantaged pupils). The proportion of pupils identified to receive additional school support for disability or special educational needs is just below average. The proportion with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is broadly average.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations of pupils' attainment and progress. The school provides a breakfast club. The headteacher started in January 2015, after the previous inspection.

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