Shirley Heath Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school.

It is fully inclusive and makes outstanding provision for its disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, and all other identified groups. Most pupils join the school with standards above average and all make sustained and accelerated progress from their starting points so, when they leave, attainment is high in relation to national standards and their achievement is outstanding. A majority of the teaching is outstanding and never less than consistently good.

Teachers and other adults, including parental volunteers, work together extremely positively to maximise learning for all pupils. Inspirational learning opportunities make pupils eager to learn... and sustain their excellent progress and outstanding achievement throughout the school. The behaviour of pupils in and around school is exemplary.

Pupils, staff, parents and carers all agree that the school is a safe environment, making provision in this area outstanding. Such positive behaviour underpins pupils' excellent attitudes to learning. Attendance is very high because pupils enjoy school so much.

Leadership and management are outstanding, with drive and vision that inspire all staff to seek excellence and show outstanding commitment. Senior leaders are unremitting in their drive for constant improvement, while systems for monitoring teaching, performance management and professional development promote excellence. Staff induction arrangements are, currently, being refined and evaluation will be possible next term.

The school's broad and inspiring curriculum is reinforced by a very wide range of clubs, visits and activities that creates enthusiastic and empowered learners and greatly promotes their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, reflected in assemblies and displays around school that are of the highest quality.

Information about the school

This school is larger than the average-sized junior school. The proportion known to be eligible for free school meals is below average.

Most pupils are White British and the proportion from minority ethnic groups is broadly average, but few speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported by school action plus or by a statement of special educational needs is broadly average, but rising over time. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which represent the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

The governing body provides a before- and after- school club each school day. Several staff appointments have been made for September 2012. There is a children's centre on the same site but this was not inspected at the same time as the school.