Hale Nursery & Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher has a compellingly positive vision of an inclusive and successful school.

This vision is based on strong values that are shared by governors, staff, parents and pupils. Leaders carry out robust checks on the quality of teaching and on pupils' progress. Teachers know their pupils' needs well.

They plan demanding and interesting activities that pupils complete enthusiastically. Consequently, pupils make strong progress and attain well in their learning. Teachers use skilful questioning to probe pupils' understanding, and require them to explain their answers clearly.

Teachers use clear explanations to correct any mi...sunderstanding pupils may have. Disadvantaged pupils and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress from their starting points. Children in the early years make strong progress because teachers plan exciting activities that arouse their curiosity and stimulate their imagination.

Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They show respect for their teachers and they listen carefully to each other in class discussions. Pupils feel safe and know how to stay safe.

They say bullying is rare and that teachers deal with it effectively. Pupils follow a broad, balanced and varied curriculum that provides a solid grounding for secondary school. Pupils also benefit from a wide range of clubs, trips and visits which extend their knowledge and skills.

The school's strong focus on values ensures that pupils have a keen understanding of right and wrong. Pupils are taught to reflect on their own learning, behaviour and character in order to make wise choices. Leaders prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain.

Pupils accept people from other cultures, as well as those who follow different religions or who have different ways of life. Governors have acted promptly to secure the long-term future of the school. They have ensured that finances are in order and that there is a robust plan for leadership succession.

Leaders and governors recognise that attendance is not good enough for a small number of pupils. They also know that some pupils, particularly the most able, are not always challenged enough in their learning.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

The Hale School is larger than the average primary school. There is a children's centre attached to the school. The majority of pupils in the school are of White British heritage.

A breakfast club, run by an external provider, takes place on the school premises every day. In the early years, children in the Nursery attend for part of the week, while children in Reception attend full time. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is broadly average overall, though it differs sharply between year groups.

In some year groups, over one third of pupils are from disadvantaged households. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is much higher than that found nationally. The school meets the floor standards which set out the government's minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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