St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School, Halstead

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The headteacher is an outstanding leader. Under her strong and highly effective leadership, the school has made significant progress since the previous inspection.

The quality of teaching and pupils' progress have rapidly improved. Teaching is good. Some is outstanding.

Teachers are quick to spot and encourage the potential of all their pupils. Teachers plan interesting lessons which meet the needs of all pupils, including those who find learning more difficult. Marking and assessment have greatly improved.

Teachers have high expectations of their pupils' capabilities. All groups of pupils are now making good progress. They achi...eve well in reading, writing and mathematics.

Pupils' skills and experiences are broadened and developed through a wide range of exciting activities. They love learning in the Forest School woodland classroom. Music and sport are particular strengths.

Pupils have very positive attitudes to learning and to each other. They are proud of their school and take their responsibilities seriously. Behaviour in and around the school is good.

The school is a caring community in which pupils feel safe, nurtured and valued. Children in the early years make good progress from their starting points and are well prepared to move into Year 1. Staff morale is very high.

Staff particularly appreciate the well-targeted training and support provided. All who work in the school share the drive and determination of the headteacher to improve the school even more. Determined leadership at all levels has driven the rapid improvements.

Governors know the school well and they successfully hold the school to account, providing a good balance of challenge and support. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Not all pupils are making rapid and sustained progress. Work provided for the most able sometimes lacks challenge.

Teachers do not ensure that pupils regularly check their spelling mistakes. Subject leaders are relatively new to their roles and are at an early stage in developing them.

Information about this school

This is a smaller than average-sized primary school.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups or who speak English as an additional language is below average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported through school action is about 18%, which is above the national average. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is around 18%, which is below average.

The pupil premium provides additional funding for disadvantaged pupils. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. Early Years provision in the Reception class is full time.

Since the previous inspection, there have been significant staff changes in the school. The school was led for two terms by a temporary headteacher before the present headteacher took up post in September 2013. The headteacher is a Local Leader of Education (LLE) and has provided support to other local schools.

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