The Gainsborough Hillcrest Early Years Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Standards are significantly above the national average. From mostly low starting points, pupils make rapid progress, achieving exceptionally well.

The Principal, supported by the other senior leaders, ensures staff are experts in their fields through high quality training. This results in all pupils having their needs fully met, allowing them to achieve well. The academy has already fully implemented its preferred approach to assessment in prompt response to national changes.

Children get off to an excellent start in the early years. Staff ensure children have a thorough understanding of how to learn. High expectations of behavio...ur, presentation and listening ensures that children have the basic tools to continue learning at a rapid pace in Years 1 and 2.

Teaching is of a high standard across the academy. Experienced teachers are excellent role models for less experienced staff. Newly-qualified teachers are supported exceptionally well.

The behaviour of pupils during breaks and around the academy is of an equally high standard to that found during lessons. Pupils take part successfully in a range of leadership roles. The lively range of subjects taught, and some activities in the local area, promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development exceptionally well.'

Wow' days quickly capture pupils' interest in new topics, resulting in much of the learning following their own enquiries and questions. Subject leaders have an excellent understanding of their subject and check the quality of teaching rigorously. Astute leadership has helped them develop their talents and skills.

The governing body has an accurate understanding of the academy's strengths and areas for further development. Governors make robust checks to ensure all aspects of the academy are outstanding.

Information about this school

The Gainsborough Hillcrest Early Years Academy is a smaller than the average-sized infant school.

The numbers on roll have increased significantly in recent years. Hillcrest converted to become an academy in July 2012. When its predecessor, The Gainsborough Hillcrest Infant and Nursery School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be good.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is well above average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of educational needs is above average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium additional funding is above average.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups and who speak English as an additional language is much smaller than that found nationally. The academy is being provided with additional consultancy support by the local authority. The academy has a nursery with part time provision for children for at least 3 hours per day.