Varna Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. School leaders have maintained the outstanding quality of education provided for its pupils since the previous inspection. The headteacher's long-standing vision that all pupils fulfil their potential is firmly supported by the governing body.

The unfailing commitment from all staff to provide the very best for pupils drives the school's work and underpins pupils' outstanding achievement. Excellent management of teaching ensures that pupils make rapid progress in their learning during their time in the school. Outstanding leadership in the early years means that children make a first class start to their learning, from below typical start...ing points.

They achieve exceptionally well by the end of Reception. Pupils' behaviour and provision for their safety are outstanding. Pupils are extremely proud of their school.

They feel safe and supported. Their natural politeness and friendly attitudes contribute greatly to the school's positive ethos. Pupils enjoy the uniqueness of their school with its many cultures and traditions.

They enjoy learning from one another. The quality of teaching is outstanding. Over time it promotes pupils' excellent achievement, both academically and in their personal development.

Pupils enjoy the challenges that lessons provide. However, written feedback about their work does not always give them clear guidance about how to make it even better. Pupils make excellent progress from their starting points.

Standards at both key stages are improving quickly. Pupils make rapid progress from whenever they join the school. The rich curriculum promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, and their enjoyment of learning, exceptionally well.

The school's links with parents and the wider community are very strong.

Information about this school

This is a larger than average sized primary school. Ethnicity within the school is very mixed.

About one third of the pupils are White British and approximately one third are Black African. There are small groups from many other White and Asian cultural backgrounds. A significant proportion of children speak English as an additional language when they enter nursery or Key Stages 1 or 2.

Many pupils start or leave the school outside the usual times. The school moved into a new building in 2012. The school roll has increased significantly since the previous inspection.

The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is significantly above the national average. The pupil premium is additional funding for pupils known to eligible for free school meals and those who are looked after by the local authority. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is above average.

The school meets the government's current floor standards which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics at the end of Year 6. Provision for children in the early years is full time in the Nursery and Reception classes. A breakfast club is provided during term-time.