St Nicolas CofE Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

St Nicolas Church of England Primary is a good school. Its pupils are well-behaved, articulate and polite. They enjoy their learning and all aspects of school life and are extremely proud of their school.'

I love coming to school,' was typical of comments made by pupils during the inspection. Parents and carers are equally positive about the school's work and large numbers of parents take opportunities offered to attend assemblies and other events on a regular basis, resulting in a strong community ethos. Since the previous inspection, rates of progress have been seen to be falling, and in 2010 were significantly below national levels, as was the proportion of pupils attaining the highest levels in En...glish and mathematics.

Leaders have now successfully addressed this decline and progress in lessons seen across the school during the inspection was good overall. The school's tracking of progress shows that pupils in the current Year 6 have made good progress during Key Stage 2, with improved attainment in all subjects, but particularly in mathematics. Attainment in writing across the school is below that in reading and strategies to address this are now beginning to have an impact, particularly in Key Stage 1.

Many other pupil outcomes have remained at their previously outstanding level. Pupils have an outstanding understanding of how to stay healthy and enjoy 'Fruity Fridays' when they all bring in fruit to eat. They also enjoy taking a wide range of responsible roles, such as acting as prefects, who rewarding other pupils for good behaviour.

Attendance is high and punctuality exemplary. Pupils respond extremely well to opportunities for reflection and can talk knowledgably about a variety of different religions. They get on very well with each other and resolve conflicts intelligently, so the school community is harmonious with warm relationships evident.

The quality of teaching is good including in the Early Years Foundation Stage, with a significant proportion of outstanding practice. Although most teachers plan well for different ability groups in their classes, including preparing a range of resources to support slower learners, this is not consistent across the school and in some lessons, those of highest ability are not sufficiently challenged. Some outstanding practice was observed of the use of assessment to support learning, where teachers regularly check pupils understanding through skilled questioning and move them on quickly once their understanding is secure.

This is not consistent across the school. The quality of marking of pupils' work also varies across the school and pupils do not always know their targets or understand their next steps for learning. A good range of information and communication technology is used to enhance learning and has been instrumental in raising attainment in mental arithmetic and engendering an excitement about mathematics.

The curriculum is further enhanced by a range of visits, for example to Coventry cathedral, inspiring art work and a wide range of extra curricular opportunities, including sport and music. The school cares for its pupils well. Those with special educational needs are well supported, as are those for whom circumstances make them vulnerable.

Transitions between key stages are well managed as a result of the excellent partnerships between feeder nurseries and parents and carers are very positive about the way their children are enabled to settle quickly when they start in the Reception classes. The head teacher is well supported by his team, including a strong group of core subject leaders and the Early Years Foundation Stage leader, who are new to their roles, but are beginning to have an impact on their areas of responsibility. The quality of teaching is monitored well and weaknesses are effectively addressed.

However current processes for self-evaluation leading to clear and focused strategic planning are less well-developed; outcomes and plans for improvement are not communicated well enough to all stake holders. Consequently, underachievement has not been identified or addressed quickly enough. Information provided for the governing body lacks insufficient clarity to enable them to be fully involved in planning for the school's further development.

Leaders at all levels are now effectively addressing the recent fall in achievement and the school shows a satisfactory capacity to maintain these improvements.

Information about the school

St Nicolas C of E School is larger than the average primary school. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is below average, as is the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is half the national average and the number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is very low. The school has Healthy Schools status, Artsmark Gold, Activemark, BECTA ICT Award, Eco Silver award and International Schools award. Staff turnover has been considerable in recent years, mainly as the result of a significant number of teachers taking their entitlement to maternity leave.

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