Manorfield Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The headteacher, very well supported by leaders at all levels and staff, is an exceptional leader. She has high expectations of staff that all pupils will achieve their full potential.

Staff respond well to the vision of high expectations, which leads to pupils making rapid progress as they move through the school. The quality of leadership and management at all levels is outstanding. Leaders use robust systems to monitor teaching, and professional development is used very well to support and develop staff.

All pupils meet the standard expected nationally, particularly in writing and mathematics. Most pupils exceed their targets,... with a few excelling in mathematics. Highly effective teaching is a major contributory factor to pupils achieving very well.

Teachers are innovative and knowledgeable. Pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning are exemplary. They are keen to learn and work very well together.

The governing body is imposing; their no-nonsense approach ensures that every aspect of the school's work is kept under review. They know the school very well. The school does not stand still.

Improvement is not temporary; it is continuous and robust systems are used to review progress. Leaders are determined to ensure that pupils can make faster progress in their reading.

Information about this school

Manorfield is much larger than the average-sized primary school.

The school is expanding and in September 2013, there will be an additional Year 5 class. By September 2014, the school expects to have a three-form entry. The school has a nursery, with children attending the morning or afternoon sessions, and some are there all day.

The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium, which is additional funding for children in the care of the local authority, for pupils eligible for free school meals and those from service families, is much higher than that found nationally, as is the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language. The school serves a diverse population, with the largest ethnic groups being of Bangladeshi and White British heritage. The proportion of pupils requiring additional support at school action is broadly average, as is the proportion at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs, which are mainly for specific learning and speech, language and communication difficulties.

More pupils than average leave or join the school at other than at the usual times throughout the year. The school's 2012 national test results met the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. When the school was inspected in February 2012, it was judged to require special measures.

Inspectors made monitoring visits in November and June 2012, and in February and July 2013, to evaluate the school's progress. There have been a few staff changes since the previous inspection. The headteacher was initially contracted as executive headteacher in March 2012 before being appointed permanently in January 2013.