Sowerby Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The dedicated headteacher has a strong vision for a caring, inclusive school. She has a drive for continual improvement and has created an effective team of skilled leaders. Governors provide committed service to the school underlined by regular visits and frequent communication with staff.

They use their detailed knowledge, skills and experience to improve teaching and raise achievement. The headteacher provides excellent pastoral care and unwavering support for the well-being of pupils and their families. Staff are quick to follow her example so that pupils feel extremely safe.

Children are always polite and their behaviour is... good. Teaching is effective staff know individual pupils well and plan effectively to support their different abilities. Early years provision is good and has considerably improved since the last inspection.

Children have a successful start in the Reception class and make good progress. They make the most of exciting learning opportunities indoors and in the inspiring outdoor environment. Progress through Key Stages 1 and 2 is good.

Attainment at the end of Years 2 and 6 is above average in reading, writing and mathematics. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teachers do not consistently make it clear to pupils how to improve. Opportunities are not provided for pupils to respond to advice.

Pupils do not always make rapid progress in spelling, grammar, punctuation nor in the presentation of their work. Leaders do not always make the best use of information about pupils' progress when checking on the achievement of different groups of pupils and evaluating teachers' performance.

Information about this school

Sowerby Community Primary School is an average sized primary school.

Almost of pupils are of White British heritage. A very small minority speaks English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils with a disability or who have special educational needs is broadly average.

There is a lower than average proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged and eligible for support through the pupil premium. The pupil premium is additional funding for those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority. The size of year groups varies considerably, as does the range of ability within each group.

The school meets the government's current floor standard, which is the minimum expectation for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. There is one Reception class in the early years and children attend on a full-time basis. The school has an Inclusion Quality Mark and a Gold Kitemark for sport.