The Sir Donald Bailey Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The inspiration and drive of the headteacher, and a very effective senior leadership team, have ensured that teaching is consistently good.

In some year groups, it is outstanding. Pupils make good progress and achieve well from their different starting points. As a result, standards in reading, writing and mathematics have risen.

Teachers' assessments are accurate and used very effectively to check on the progress pupils are making to achieve their learning targets. Well-planned provision for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage means children become increasingly confident and make good progress. Teachers' marking of pupils' work... is exemplary.

They are given very clear guidance on how to improve. Governors fully understand the strengths and areas to develop within school. They are rigorous in checking its work and holding staff to account.

Pupils' behaviour is good. Their enthusiasm for learning contributes well to their good achievement. The school successfully engages increasing numbers of parents and carers in their children's education.

Attendance has risen as a result. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted exceptionally well. This contributes to the exceptionally strong sense of community in the school.

Pupils feel very safe in school. They have very positive relationships with each other. Disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs make good progress because : they have particularly well-focused individual support.

The curriculum promotes achievement well and is enhanced by an excellent range of sporting and other activities beyond lessons. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Occasionally, teachers do not match work closely enough to pupils' abilities. There is inconsistency in the extent to which teachers use questioning to deepen pupils' knowledge and understanding, and to develop their language skills.

Information about this school

This is an above-average size primary school. Most pupils are of White British backgrounds. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils for whom the school receives the pupil premium is well above average.

This is additional government funding for particular groups such as pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and those in local authority care. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is above average, while the proportion supported through school action plus is average. There are no pupils with education, health and care plans.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school provides a breakfast club that is managed by the governing body. The headteacher took up his post in April 2012.