John Ball Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2 make rapid progress in English and mathematics.

At the end of Year 6, pupils' attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is above the national average. Teachers and additional adults check on pupils' progress often in lessons and adjust their plans, if necessary, so that work is tailored for individual pupils. Adults ask questions to encourage pupils to think about their learning.

Teachers mark pupils' books regularly and provide very good guidance to assist pupils in improving their work. Pupils are given many opportunities to read and respond to teachers' comments in books and they often edit an...d improve their work. Pupils are eager to learn, attentive and respectful towards their peers and adults.

Older pupils enjoy taking on responsibilities in the school and they like looking after the younger ones. Consequently, they often behave in a mature manner. The headteacher and his leadership team have high expectations of the pupils.

Leaders are always looking for ways to improve their work further. The headteacher has ensured that all teachers are aware of the pupils who are eligible for pupil premium funding and their progress is now being rigorously monitored by all. Leaders in charge of subjects are enthusiastic about their work.

They have created many opportunities for pupils to discuss and explore the wide range of topics and subjects that is offered to pupils. Governors often challenge leaders and continuously hold them to account for accelerating pupils' progress. Governors attend many training events and thoroughly monitor the use of the pupil premium funding to ensure that the best support programmes are in place for pupils who need them.

The vast majority of parents and carers feel that the school communicates well with them and is well led and managed.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. Around 20% of pupils are known to be eligible for additional support through the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for looked-after children, those eligible for free school meals and the children of service families.

This figure is above the national average. There are a few pupils who are looked after by the local authority, and no pupils from service families currently at the school. Over half of the pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Most of these pupils are from Black or Black British heritage. Around 20% of the pupils speak English as an additional language. This proportion is well above the national average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported at school action is well below the national average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above the national average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

Since the last inspection, the school has expanded to have three classes in Years 2 and 4. Over recent years, there have been a number of changes to staffing at senior level. One pupil who is educated off site attends New Woodlands School.

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