Fatfield Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The resolute and determined leadership of the headteacher and deputy headteacher has transformed learning in Fatfield. The school has rapidly improved because leaders and governors have rigorously and successfully tackled previous weaknesses.

Leaders' and governors' ambition for excellence means the school continues to improve. Leaders have ensured that the quality of teaching has improved and is now good, accelerating the rates of progress pupils make in their learning. Outcomes for pupils are now good and have markedly improved since the last inspection.

Pupils clearly enjoy their work which they tackle with determination and enthusiasm.... Pupils make good progress in their learning from their individual starting points, including disadvantaged pupils and the most-able pupils. Children in the early years make a fast start in their reading, writing and understanding of number.

They quickly develop skills that allow them to play and learn happily together. As a result of good teaching, pupils learn quickly and can apply their skills across all subjects. Pupils thoroughly enjoy their work across the curriculum, inspired by an initial 'learning challenge'.

Teachers assess pupils' work carefully and accurately, and give timely support and guidance. The behaviour of pupils is good. They are polite, courteous, friendly and have good manners.

Their good attitudes in lessons help them to learn more quickly. Pupils' consideration of others and pride in their work and their school ensure that their personal development and welfare is good. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Leaders have not yet ensured that teaching is consistently strong enough to allow pupils to excel.

Occasionally the pace of learning slows, and pupils lose concentration. Teachers' questioning sometimes does not stretch pupils' understanding or challenge their thinking. Some teaching does not encourage pupils to demonstrate their reasoning skills when solving problems in mathematics.

Information about this school

Fatfield Primary School is a smaller-than-average-sized primary school. The large majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disability is below average.

The proportion of pupils who are supported by the pupil premium funding is below average. (This is additional government funding to support those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and children looked after.) Early years provision is full time in both the Nursery and Reception classes.

The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club each day. The school meets the government's floor standards, which set out the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. Since the last inspection, a new headteacher, deputy headteacher and four new teachers have been appointed to the school.