Tidcombe Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The school has improved strongly since the last inspection as a result of good leadership at all levels and the clear vision of the headteacher. Standards have risen in both English and in mathematics over the last three years and are now above average.

Pupils make a rapid start due to high quality teaching and care in the Early Years Foundation Stage. All groups of pupils make good progress in all subjects as they move through the school, as pupils are confident and keen to learn. The quality of teaching has improved and is consistently good.

This is due to leaders and managers supporting teachers well and also strengthening teaching in ...some year groups through the appointment of new staff. The governing body provides effective support to the school and asks searching questions about its work. It has an excellent understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement.

Adults have created a safe learning environment in which all pupils have the opportunity to thrive. Pupils thus behave well and attend regularly. Parents hold the school and the headteacher in high regard, due to the good care and welfare support provided for pupils.

The support for disabled pupils and their families is particularly strong. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teaching is not consistently outstanding as pupils do not have enough opportunities to work on their own. Written feedback to pupils does not show clearly enough the next steps they need to take in their learning.

Neither does marking give pupils enough opportunities to show their teachers where they have improved their work.

Information about this school

The school is slightly smaller than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average, as is the proportion of those supported at school action plus or who have a statement of special educational needs.

The proportion of pupils who join the school other than at the usual times is above average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium, additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, looked after children, or pupils who have a parent in the armed forces, is average. The school does not make use of any off-site alternative provision.

The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. There is a privately run daily breakfast club and after-school club. This is not managed by the governing body and did not form part of the inspection.