Sculthorpe Church of England Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Children get off to a good start in Reception because transfer to school is smooth and the good range of activities is well taught. Pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics because they respond positively to the good teaching they receive.

Pupils with learning difficulties get skilled support to help them make good progress. Information about pupils' progress is used well to see that each one makes good progress. Pupils behave well, showing respect for their school, staff and class mates.

Pupils have a good understanding of safety and feel safe in school. Parents say their children are happy at school and enjoy all th...e opportunities it offers. A typical comment was 'We've never had a day he didn't want to come to school.'

The headteacher and governors have improved teaching and learning since the previous inspection. Staff potential is developed just as well as that of pupils, to mutual benefit. Membership of the Unity Federation is beneficial to pupils and staff, extending and expanding opportunities.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Sometimes pupils are not given sufficient time to think about the teacher's questions before the answer is given to them. Some pupils have few chances to work together to develop their collaborative skills. Pupils' ability to judge for themselves how well they are doing develops too slowly because : these skills are neither taught systematically nor practised routinely.

Some parents do not feel it is easy to communicate with the school and are not sure who to approach when they have a problem.

Information about this school

This is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The vast majority of pupils are White British.

The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium (the extra government funding for pupils looked after by the local authority, those known to be eligible for free school meals and some other groups) is below average but increasing. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported through school action is broadly average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also broadly average.

Pupils are taught in three mixed-age classes. The headteacher is a National Leader of Education and the school offers support and guidance to other schools, most notably small Church of England schools, through the 'Improving Teaching Programme'. The school is part of 'The Unity Federation of Church Schools' with Colkirk and West Raynham Voluntary Aided Primary Schools.