Grafton Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders have improved the school significantly since the previous inspection. The school now provides a first-rate education. Leaders, governors, staff and pupils live by the school's values.

The headteacher and his senior leadership team have successfully instilled a culture of respect and high expectations for all, which supports pupils to excel in their learning. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve highly across the curriculum. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported with their learning and participate fully in the life of the school.

Middle and senior leaders work toget...her effectively to develop the curriculum and monitor the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. The curriculum makes a substantial contribution to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Teachers are determined that pupils do their best and achieve highly.

They plan thoroughly, taking the needs of all their pupils into account. The teaching of writing is not as strong as the teaching of reading and mathematics. Pupils' presentation of work, including handwriting, varies in quality.

Leaders do not routinely share the strong practice in the teaching of writing to raise the quality of teaching still further. 100% of parents and carers responding to Parent View, Ofsted's online survey, said they would recommend the school to other parents. One parent said, 'I am so happy that my children attend Grafton … I feel part of a family at this school.'

Safeguarding is effective. Staff are well trained and vigilant in their practice. Pupils are very well informed about personal safety.

Parents and pupils alike say that this is a safe school. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They are proud of their school.

They care for one another. They appreciate that they have a strong voice. One pupil said that the best thing he liked about the school was that his views were respected.

Children in the Nursery and Reception classes get off to a flying start with their education. Leaders and teachers work together to help children become confident and enthusiastic learners. Strong early years teaching helps children to make rapid progress in their learning.

Leaders' identification of early writing as a weaker area has resulted in prompt action to address this.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. During the school's last section 8 inspection in June 2018, the school demonstrated significant improvement in specific areas.

The school's last section 5 inspection took place in November 2013 when the school was judged to be good overall. The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged is well above that found nationally. Pupils attending the school come from a range of ethnic backgrounds.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is above that found nationally. The proportion of pupils with SEND is also above that found nationally. The proportion with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) is average.