Seaton Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school. It has maintained high standards in English and mathematics since the previous inspection and has successfully identified and addressed areas identified for improvement. Consequently, the teaching pupils receive over time is outstanding and pupils' attendance has similarly improved and is now above average.

Pupils' achievement is outstanding. Almost all sustain excellent progress in English and mathematics. They apply their developing skills to great effect, including reading, writing, communication and mathematical skills across the curriculum.

Pupils are typically considerate, respectful and courteous to each other, staff and visitors. They behave well in lesso...ns and show good attitudes to learning. Pupils say they feel safe in school because of the effective care and support they receive.

Incidents of poor behaviour are managed well and the school works closely with partner agencies to meet the needs of pupils whose circumstances may make them vulnerable. Teaching is outstanding because teachers possess excellent subject knowledge which allows them to plan astutely and set challenging tasks based on their systematic and accurate assessment of pupils' learning needs. Teaching generates high levels of enthusiasm among pupils for learning.

However, the promotion of pupils' independence in learning, especially in understanding how well they are doing and in next steps for improvement, is inconsistently implemented within the school. Leaders and managers, including the governing body, are highly ambitious for the school and lead by example. They base their actions on a well-informed and accurate understanding of the school's performance.

The quality of teaching is managed by senior leaders very carefully in order to sustain pupils' excellent learning. This also secures an outstanding curriculum that provides pupils with highly positive and memorable experiences which promote pupils' strong spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. They have very good strategies for engaging with parents and carers.

Information about the school

This is a large school that serves the seaside town of Seaton and the surrounding area. Most pupils are White British and speak English as their first language. A few are at the early stage of learning English.

The proportions of pupils eligible for free school meals and of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs are below average. Pupils with moderate learning and speech, language and communication difficulties form the largest groups with additional needs. The school has a below average proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs.

Pupils in Key Stage 2 are taught in ability sets for English and mathematics. The school is currently consulting with parents and carers regarding the proposal to become the lead school in a federation with three other nearby primary schools. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set out minimum requirements for pupils' attainment and progress.

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