Whitegate CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Strong leadership by the headteacher and deputy headteacher has driven improvement further since the last inspection.

Determined actions by leaders, including those with subject leadership responsibilities, mean that almost all pupils are now making good progress across a range of subjects. Proportions of pupils attaining the expected standards in English are high. However, achievement in mathematics is not as strong as in reading and writing.

Leaders have used training opportunities well to further improve the quality of teaching, especially in writing. Governors have a wide range of skills and are supportive of the school. They contribu...te to its continuous improvement by holding leaders to account effectively for its success.

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Teachers are very skilled at using questions to help pupils to learn more deeply. Pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported and make good progress from their starting points.

Leaders have taken effective action to improve pupils' attendance through a range of strategies. The curriculum is broad and balanced and contributes to the good progress that pupils make. Pupils' books show that skills and knowledge in other subjects are not as strong as those in pupils' writing books.

Leaders have, though, created plans to deepen pupils' wider subject-specific knowledge and understanding. Children in the early years make good progress. Most children are ready for Year 1 by the time that they finish their Reception Year.

The progress of the few disadvantaged pupils continues to improve. Their attainment compares well with that of other pupils nationally. A strong culture of safeguarding exists throughout the school.

Procedures for keeping pupils safe are secure and clear. Pupils behave well around the school and in classrooms. Teachers and leaders deal swiftly with the very few incidents of misbehaviour.

Pupils feel safe in the school and know how to keep themselves safe. The promotion of pupils' social, moral, spiritual and cultural education is strong. Pupils' understanding of equality and diversity and fundamental British values is very well developed.

Information about this school

This school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium funding is much lower than the national average. Most pupils are White British.

The proportion of pupils speaking English as an additional language is well below the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is broadly in line with the national average. The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is above average.

The school has received support from advisory staff from the local authority. The school is a voluntary-aided Church of England primary school in the Diocese of Chester. At its last section 48 inspection in June 2014, it was judged good.