Meadowside Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

All pupils make outstanding progress. They learn well in all subjects and reach standards in reading, writing and mathematics that are well above average by the end of Year 6. Children in the Reception class make accelerated progress from their starting points, especially in developing their language and communication skills.

Disabled pupils and those with special educational needs receive expert support, particularly from the conscientious, caring and highly competent learning support assistants. Pupils' behaviour in lessons and around the school is outstanding. They are polite and highly respectful to staff.

Pupils fee...l very safe and their gentle care for one another helps to create a calm atmosphere across the school. Teaching is outstanding because the highly skilled teachers plan exciting lessons which allow pupils of all ages and abilities to be creative, work things out for themselves and produce a high standard of work. There are, however, occasions when adults do not give pupils enough time to check the thorough comments teachers leave for pupils when they mark their work.

School leaders, managers and governors have successfully and quickly tackled previous weaknesses. Their determination to provide the best possible education for pupils has led to exceptionally rapid improvement in the quality of teaching and learning, and in pupils' achievement. All staff and parents work together as a high- quality team and are involved in identifying the strengths of the school and what could be improved further, especially for pupils whose circumstances might put them at risk.

Pupils thoroughly enjoy learning and are given excellent opportunities to be involved in a wide variety of clubs and activities. Pupils are extremely proud of their school where, they say, 'it's cool to be clever!'

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. There is a gender imbalance as around 60% of pupils are boys.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. Few pupils have minority ethnic heritages and no pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils supported through school action is lower than average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also lower than average. A below-average proportion of pupils are known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for pupils in local authority care, those known to be eligible for free school meals and those with a parent in the armed services. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

The school suffered major disruption at the start of this school year due to problems encountered by the current major building project. Since the last inspection changes in staffing have been considerable. The school operates its own breakfast club.

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