Whitemoor Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Leaders have been very successful in improving the quality of teaching since the time of the previous inspection. As a result, pupils learn well in lessons throughout the school. There is a shared determination and commitment from staff to improve and provide the best possible learning and experiences for pupils.

Governors and members of the academy trust work very closely together and provide a high level of challenge and support to the headteacher and other leaders. There has been a substantial improvement in teaching phonics (letters and their sounds) and, as a result, pupils' reading skills have improved markedly. All groups of pupil...s make similarly good progress from their different starting points across the school.

They achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics. The early years provision is good, and better than at the time of the previous inspection. This ensures that children are now well prepared for their future in Year 1.

Pupils behave well in and around the school. They are polite, courteous and respectful towards each other. They enjoy taking on responsibility.

Pupils feel safe in school and have great confidence in the adults who look after them. They have a good understanding about how to keep themselves safe. In all classes, there is a welcoming and supportive environment in which the pupils can thrive.

Relationships are very positive and pupils have positive attitudes to learning. Teaching is good. Teachers typically provide activities which engage the interest of pupils and make learning fun.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils' achievement in writing is not as high as in reading and mathematics. This is because pupils are not consistent in applying their knowledge and understanding of grammar and punctuation in their writing. Occasionally, work set for pupils is not sufficiently challenging and, consequently, there are times in lessons when learning slows.

Marking in mathematics is not helping pupils to improve as well as possible.

Information about this school

Whitemoor Academy is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The school became an academy in October 2012 within the Aspire Academy Trust.

The school works in close partnership within the academy trust which consists of Mawgan-in-Pydar School, Whitemoor Academy and Summercourt Academy. The executive headteacher has shared responsibilities with two other schools. Nearly all pupils are White British.

The proportion of pupils who are supported by the pupil premium is below average, including none in Year 6 in 2014. The pupil premium is additional funding to support disadvantaged pupils, those known to be eligible for free school meals and those who are looked after. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is average.

Children in the Reception class attend full time. The numbers of pupils joining or leaving the school other than at the usual times are above average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6.