Sutton-At-Hone Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Pupils join the school performing in line with age-related expectations. With good teaching, they achieve well and attain scores in mathematics tests which are significantly above the national average by the end of Year 6. Attainment in English has been broadly in line with the national average, but rigorous teacher assessment shows that increasing proportions of older pupils are now making better-than-expected progress and achieving well in Key Stage 2.

Pupils speak positively about their school, behave well, have a clear sense of right and wrong and treat adults and each other with courtesy. It is a safe and secure environment. Pupils ...are enthusiastic about units of work based on broad topics.

Teaching over time is good, especially in mathematics and in Key Stage 2, because : activities are well planned to match individuals' needs, carefully marked and involve pupils in recording their own progress. The headteacher has a good understanding of what needs to be done to further improve the school, monitoring teaching rigorously to make effective changes to the pace with which pupils learn and their involvement in lessons. Staff and governors share her vision and ambition.

Governors make sure that they are well informed and are prepared to challenge as well as support school leaders. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teaching in subjects other than English does not encourage pupils to write extensively. It is not always clear to pupils the precise steps that need to be taken to improve their work in these subjects.

While many teaching assistants offer focused guidance in lessons, not all adults working with the youngest children are helping pupils to make maximum progress. Communication with parents about how they could support and extend their children's learning is not as effective as it could be.

Information about this school

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

The Early Years Foundation Stage is provided in one Reception class and another joint Reception/Year 1 class. The number of pupils eligible for free school meals has been rising over the past three years but the proportion remains lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium (extra money provided by the government) is lower than the national average.

The number of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds and who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The largest group in the school is of White British heritage. A slightly higher-than-average proportion of pupils with disabilities or special educational needs is supported at school action.

However, the proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below the national average. The school meets the floor standards set by the government as the minimum standards for attainment and progress. The school provides additional services through a breakfast and an after-school club managed by the governing body.

At the time of the previous inspection the school was part of a federation led by an executive headteacher from another school. In September 2012, the governing body appointed its own substantive headteacher and the federation has been dissolved. Nonetheless, the two schools continue to collaborate on school improvement activities.