Blenheim Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Following a big dip in 2013, standards have risen significantly.

Pupils now achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics. Children make a good start in the Early Years Foundation Stage, where skilful teaching ensures they make rapid progress and achieve well. The quality of teaching and assessment is good and has improved significantly since the previous inspection.

Leaders have successfully addressed previous weaknesses in teaching. The school's promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good. Effective leadership across the school, supported by considerably improved governance, has raised expectations... of what pupils can achieve.

As a result, all groups of pupils are making good progress. Pupils behave well and are courteous and respectful; they enjoy coming to school as indicated by their high rates of attendance. Regular checks on safeguarding are used to help ensure the school is a very safe place for pupils and staff.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Sometimes pupils do not get the feedback from teachers they need to help them move on in their work. The least able pupils are not always provided with sufficient resources to make the progress of which they are capable. Pupils do not practise their writing across a wide enough range of subjects or use what they have learned in mathematics to solve practical problems.

Information about this school

The school is an average-sized primary school. Since the previous inspection, there have been changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage which now consists of two full-time Reception classes. There is no Nursery provision.

The majority of pupils are of White British heritage. Pupils from Black or Black British backgrounds comprise the next largest ethnic group. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is higher than that found nationally.

The proportion of pupils for whom the school receives the pupil premium, additional government funding for disadvantaged pupils, is above average. The majority of pupils currently in the school are in receipt of this funding. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported at school action is broadly average, as is the proportion at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs.

In 2013, the school did not meet the government's floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school has had much staff turnover since the previous inspection. The current headteacher and her full-time deputy headteacher took up their posts in September 2013.