North Waltham Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

North Waltham is a good school where pupils achieve well because of good teaching. It is not yet outstanding because although almost all teaching is good, only a small proportion is outstanding.

In consequence, achievement is good rather than outstanding. Pupils make good progress, particularly in Key Stage 2, and their attainment is significantly above average in writing, mathematics and science at the end of Year 6. In reading, standards are high.

Progress is slightly slower in mathematics at Key Stage 1, particularly in the development of pupils' mathematical investigational skills. In the Reception Year, although progress is good overall, it is slower in writing than in other areas. Teachi...ng is good because in most lessons teachers build effectively on what the pupils already know and are able to do.

Activities are usually pitched well to meet the learning needs of all groups of pupils. However, this is not always the case and, on occasion, work does not provide sufficient challenge for the more-able pupils, particularly in Years 1 and 2. Furthermore, across the school, pupils are not always clear about how they reach the next level in writing and mathematics.

Pupils' behaviour and safety are good. Pupils enjoy lessons and learning because teachers plan activities which interest them. There is a calm and purposeful atmosphere in all classes and, consequently, lessons are rarely disrupted.

Pupils say they feel safe and parents and carers are unanimous in their agreement. Levels of attendance are high. The headteacher provides outstanding leadership.

He is supported well by all the staff and governors and there is a strong team spirit. Good use is made of evaluations of the school's performance to plan further improvements. Effective performance management procedures, when linked to well-conceived professional development opportunities for staff, mean that the management of teaching is good.

Information about the school

North Waltham is a much smaller than the average-sized primary school. In consequence, children in the Reception class are taught in a single age group and there are pupils from two age groups in the other four classes. The overwhelming majority of pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is very low. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is average. The school meets the current floor standards set by the government, which determine the minimum expectations for attainment and progress.

The school has gained Healthy Schools and Eco School status. The school provides after-school care called Cool Kidz. This is not managed by the governing body and is subject to a separate inspection.

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