Abacus Belsize Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The school community is united in support of the school. This is due to the clear sense of purpose and ambition shared by the headteacher, governing body and the trust.

The committed and highly effective leadership of the headteacher has galvanised the staff into a cohesive and determined team. The headteacher and governors ensure that the school's work is constantly evaluated and improved. Clear guidance leads to the ongoing fine tuning of teaching practice.

The quality of teaching is outstanding. It interests, excites and inspires pupils. An early focus on instilling a love of learning and developing a sense of curiosity suppor...ts pupils' achievement well.

From their starting points, pupils make outstanding progress. Standards in reading, writing and mathematics are above age-related expectations. A significantly higher proportion of Reception pupils than nationally reached a good level of development in 2014.

Provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage is extremely responsive to children's needs. Staff work together closely to track their progress. Children are highly engaged and motivated by the teaching.

As a result, they concentrate for extended periods of time. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary in lessons, at play and when away from the school site. Their positive attitudes and inquisitive nature support their learning very well.

The school's arrangements to ensure pupils are safe instil confidence in parents and pupils. Pupils thrive in a safe environment; they learn to assess risk and are not afraid to make mistakes. The governing body maintains a clear oversight of the school's performance.

It has a well-balanced approach to supporting and challenging the school. Despite the uncertainty of the impending move to temporary premises, parents are highly supportive of the school's work. Leaders have developed detailed plans to ensure that the move does not detract from the school's sharp focus on high quality provision.

Information about this school

This free school opened in September 2013 as part of the CfBT Schools Trust. The school shares the building with a range of other users. The school will move to a temporary location in September 2015 while the recently acquired permanent site is refurbished.

It is anticipated that the permanent site will be ready for occupation in September 2017. It is much smaller than the average primary school. In its first year the school admitted Reception-aged children.

Currently, in its second year, there are pupils in Reception and Year 1. Pupils in the Reception class attend full time. While the membership of the current Reception class has remained stable, the current Year 1 class has experienced significant change.

The school does not use alternative provision. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an addition al language is above average. The proportion of disabled pupils or those with special educational needs is average.

Pupils come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of pupils for whom the school receives the pupil premium is well below average. The pupil premium is additional funding for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and children looked after by the local authority.