Black Firs Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Pupils' behaviour and safety are outstanding. Relationships are excellent and pupils are very supportive of one another.

Their attitudes to learning are exemplary and they feel entirely safe in school. Attendance is consistently above average. From generally expected, and sometimes lower than expected starting points, children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are given a good start.

Good progress is now firmly established through the school and shows continuous improvement since the previous inspection. Pupils achieve well in all subjects. Above average standards in English and mathematics over time, at the end of Year 6, have been ma...intained and standards at the end of Year 2 have improved significantly.

The quality of teaching is good and some is outstanding. Teachers' expectations are high and there are some exciting activities in lessons. Teamwork is strong.

Leaders have responded very well to support from the local authority since the previous inspection Leadership and management, including governance of the school are good. Successful management of teaching and learning has improved the quality of teaching and has a good impact on pupils' achievement. The school continues to improve.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : The proportion of outstanding teaching is still too low to make it outstanding overall. Some of the most-able pupils do not always reach the standards that they are capable of in writing and mathematics. The most able are not always given time to work on their own early enough in the lesson, slowing the pace of learning.

Teachers' marking in mathematics, especially for the most-able pupils is not helpful enough in showing them how to improve. Resources used in some lessons are too limited to allow pupils to learn for themselves.

Information about this school

This is a slightly larger than average-sized primary school in which almost all pupils are White British.

The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is very low compared to other schools. The pupil premium is additional funding for those who are known to be eligible for free school meals, children from service families and those who are looked after by the local authority. A below average proportion of pupils is supported through school action.

The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average The school meets current floor standards which are the government's minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress at the end of Year 6. Provision for children prior to entering Reception Year is available on site. This provision is funded separately from the school and was not part of the inspection.

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