Wellhouse Junior and Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

¦ This is a good school.

It is not yet outstanding because pupils' progress in reading is not as fast as that in writing and mathematics, and pupils are not always clear about how to reach their targets. ¦ Children achieve well in the Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception), from levels of attainment on entry that are similar to those usually found nationally. Attainment by the end of Year 6 is average, which represents good achievement for the small numbers of pupils involved, which invariably include some who joined the school in Key Stage 2.

¦ Teaching is good because teachers are skilled at planning lessons for pupils of all abilities in the three mixed-age classes. Moreover, in Reception..., opportunities for learning through play inside and outside the classroom have improved well since the previous inspection. Disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs also make good progress because teaching provides good support, which is well matched to their individual needs.

¦ Behaviour and safety are good. Attendance is above average. Pupils talk enthusiastically about the way that they all 'get on very well' with each other.

Behaviour in lessons, assemblies and around the school is often impeccable but occasionally it is less strong at lunchtime on the small playground. ¦ Leadership, including that from governors, ensures that the school is successful despite the major changes that have taken place. Consequently, parents, carers, staff and pupils are extremely complimentary about the school.

Leadership of teaching and the management of performance are good because the necessary skills are monitored and developed well. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good, with outstanding features in their pride about their achievements and the way they help others less fortunate than themselves.

Information about the school

Wellhouse is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The total number of pupils has increased substantially since the school's last inspection but year groups are still small in size and sometimes contain as few as three pupils. Many of the new entrants start part way through the year, joining any one of the three classes. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is broadly average.

The number of pupils from minority-ethnic heritages is below average, as is the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils who are disabled or who have particular special educational needs is above average. The school has recently received the Eco-Award (Bronze).

The inspection took place during the week of national tests for the oldest pupils. The school's most recent test results, based on the results for nine pupils, have not been assessed against the floor standards in 2011 as the floor standard does not apply to cohorts of 10 or fewer pupils. There have been many changes since the school was last inspected.

It has been federated with another small school locally. The headteacher and all the teaching staff are new. The headteacher divides her time equally between the two schools.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms