Prestolee Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

This is an outstanding school. The extremely clear vision of the headteacher, with excellent support from senior and other staff, leads to the outstanding quality of teaching throughout school.

This ensures that pupils of all ages and abilities have excellent attitudes to learning and that their attainment is high. The exceptional curriculum and the outstanding care, guidance and support contribute significantly to pupils' exemplary behaviour, above average attendance and outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The governing body provides good support and challenge.

The thorough and systematic self-evaluation procedures reflect the views of all those involved in the lif...e of the school. As a result, the school has developed well since it was previously inspected and has an outstanding capacity for further improvement. Pupils' attainment is high in English and mathematics by time they leave school in Year 6.

The progress of pupils of all ages and abilities is outstanding. Pupils have an excellent understanding of how to stay safe from harm. They have an outstanding knowledge of how to live a healthy lifestyle and take full advantage of challenging physical activities and opportunities to plan and eat healthy meals.

Pupils make an excellent contribution to the school and wider community through the very active role of the school council in decision-making and strong involvement with the church and village life. However, there are relatively fewer opportunities for younger pupils. Pupils are extremely friendly and considerate towards each other and have an excellent understanding of right and wrong.

They are very mature, reflective and aware of the needs of others. Relationships are excellent and teachers make lessons highly involving through role play, games and the use of information and communication technology (ICT). Lessons are consistently brisk and challenging.

Teachers make very good use of precise targets to raise pupils' expectations and strive for the best they can. The curriculum provides exciting and engaging experiences which are exceptionally well planned to deepen pupils' learning and ensure every child leaves school able to read, write and use numbers well. As a result, there are many examples of high-quality work in subjects such as art, history, ICT and music displayed throughout school.

Teachers know their pupils extremely well and track their progress very carefully. They make excellent use of the very effective links with other professionals and partnerships with other schools to promote all pupils' learning and well-being. Exceptionally robust record keeping contributes to the outstanding procedures for caring for pupils and keeping them safe.

There is an outstanding partnership with parents and carers who are very proud of the school, and the school is at the centre of its own and the wider community. 'Amazing school, brilliant teachers. Very supportive of children and very parent friendly', is one parent's comment which reflects the views of many.

Information about the school

Prestolee is an average-size primary school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is average. The percentage of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average.

The majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The school has achieved several awards, including Healthy School status, the Activemark and a Leading Parent Partnership award. Since the last inspection, over half the teaching staff have been appointed and the school has undergone significant building work, particularly in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms