Yarlside Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Children make very rapid progress in Nursery and Reception. For Year 2 pupils in 2012, national assessment scores were the highest in the school's history, showing pupils to be more than half a year ahead of what is generally expected, and making excellent progress. Last year's Year 6 had results in English and mathematics showing progress since the age of seven to be in the top 2% nationally.

Results have been consistently strong in Year 6. Progress in lessons is excellent and pupils' books show impressive learning over time. All pupils do equally well.

In half the lessons seen, teaching was of the highest quality. Most... lessons had outstanding elements. No teaching was less than good.

Learning is strong throughout the school and across all subjects. Teachers usually make efficient use of time. Arrangements in lessons for pupils of different abilities are often creative and stimulating; pupils generally thrive well with the approaches used.

Pupils develop a maturity beyond their years. They are unfailingly courteous, considerate of others and diligent. Younger pupils settle quickly to learning.

Pupils are eager and readily take responsibility and initiative with their school work. Older pupils have a sensible and reflective understanding of how to look after themselves and one another. They know that friendships can wax and wane, but say that no one is mean to others.

They feel safe at school and know that adults can be relied upon for support. The headteacher leads the school with contagious enthusiasm and commitment. She has the vigorous support of all the staff.

The management of teaching is rigorous. Development of the way different subjects are presented and improvements to premises have been highly successful. The governance of the school is excellent.

The school ensures that money is spent wisely and that those pupils entitled to additional funding are well provided for.

Information about this school

This is an average-sized primary school. The great majority of pupils are of White British heritage.

There are very few whose first language is not English and no pupils are at an early stage of learning English. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for pupil premium (additional funding allocated for pupils in the care of the local authority, or known to be eligible for free school meals or whose families are in the armed forces) is well below average. In some year groups there are no pupils eligible for this funding.

The proportion of pupils whose learning needs are supported at the level known as 'school action' is below average. The proportion of pupils supported at 'school action plus', or with a statement of special educational needs, is also below average. The school meets the government's floor standards, which are the minimum expected for pupils' attainment and progress.

The staffing of the school has been stable in recent years. The headteacher is new to the school since its previous inspection. The school has a before-school and after-school care club.

The school's Nursery operates only in the mornings. There is a private nursery, 'Little Stars', on the school site. It is the subject of separate inspection by Ofsted.