The Alton School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the previous inspection, the headteacher has taken decisive action to tackle the areas which needed improvement.

The school now provides a good standard of education. Senior leaders and governors have an accurate understanding of what the school does well and what could be even better. This means the school is well placed to improve further.

The early years is led well. A greater proportion of children achieve a good level of development than is the case nationally. This includes children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

As a result, children are well prepared for Year 1. The quality of teaching is good. Leaders are quick to... identify and tackle weaker teaching.

However, staff do not have sufficient opportunities to share and learn from effective practice within the school. This has reduced the overall impact of leaders' work to strengthen teaching. Most pupils make good progress from their starting points.

This includes pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Pupils' speaking and listening skills are particularly well developed. This is because : teachers model language effectively and expect pupils to explain their ideas using grammatically accurate sentences.

As a result of good teaching, pupils achieve well in the phonics screening check. In 2015 and 2016, pupils' attainment was above the national average. Pupils of all ages enjoy reading.

They understand how reading helps them find out new information and develop their vocabulary. However, teachers do not consistently challenge the most able readers to explain their ideas in greater depth. This can slow the progress they make.

In writing, teachers provide pupils with clear guidance on how to be successful. This ensures that pupils enjoy writing and are keen to practise their skills in different subjects. The mathematics curriculum is well designed so that pupils have frequent opportunities to develop their calculation skills.

However, the progress of pupils with low attainment is inconsistent. This is because teachers do not always plan learning that builds on what these pupils already know or can do. Pupils in the designated special provision make good progress.

This is because staff plan learning that is well matched to their needs. Pupils enjoy their learning and behave well. They are considerate and respectful to each other and adults.

Information about this school

The Alton School is an average-sized primary school. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school runs a breakfast club.

The school provides a designated special provision for pupils diagnosed with moderate learning difficulties. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is much higher than the national average. The proportion of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds is significantly above the national average.

The proportion of pupils who leave and join the school over the course of an academic year is higher than the national average. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is high. The school meets the government's floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress by the end of key stage 2.