St Paul’s CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an inadequate school A legacy of weak leadership has led to a considerable decline in the progress that pupils make. Attainment in mathematics, reading and writing, including for disadvantaged pupils, is low.

By the time they leave the school, pupils underachieve significantly. Gaps remain in pupils' knowledge, skills and understanding due to the weaker teaching they have experienced in the past. The quality of teaching is variable.

Teachers' expectations of what pupils can achieve are not consistently high enough. Teachers do not use assessment information consistently well to challenge pupils, including the most able, to make the best possible progre...ss. Teaching assistants' skills are still developing.

Although strengthening, the governing body has not held leaders to account over time. Previously, governors lacked an accurate and informed understanding of the school's performance. While a new assessment system is a positive step forward, teachers' skills in accurately assessing pupils' learning are not secure.

The leadership skills of some subject leaders require further development. Pupils' reading skills are improving. However, some teachers do not plan learning that increases and enriches pupils' vocabulary.

Opportunities for pupils to develop their writing skills, including when they write in other subjects, are underdeveloped at times. Attendance is improving. However, some pupils still do not attend regularly.

The school has the following strengths The headteacher and senior leaders have rapidly brought about much-needed change in most aspects of the school's work. Teaching is improving. It is strongest in early years and in upper key stage 2.

Pupils' early reading skills are developed effectively. Pupils are kept safe and confirm that behaviour has improved. They are eager to learn.

They try hard and take pride in their work. The curriculum engages pupils' interest well. Exciting learning opportunities help children to make a good start in early years.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The number on roll remains relatively stable; however, a higher than average number of pupils join and leave the school at other than the usual time. The large majority of pupils are of White British heritage.

Children attend the Nursery and Reception classes full time. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is more than double the national average. In 2018, 75% of pupils in Year 6 were eligible for pupil premium funding.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is high. In 2018, the proportion of Year 6 pupils with SEND was 42%. This is higher than in all other year groups.

Since the previous inspection, the school has experienced significant staffing turbulence, including in leadership and management. The headteacher took up her post in September 2017. The deputy headteacher left his post in October 2018.

The acting deputy headteacher and assistant headteacher were seconded to the school senior leadership team shortly after this time. A middle leader in the school was also appointed to a post as acting assistant headteacher. A number of teachers have joined and left the school since the previous inspection.

Several staff have experienced lengthy periods of absence. The chair and vice-chair of the governing body took up their posts 18 months ago, when the governing body was reconstituted. The governing body runs an on-site breakfast club and an after-school club.

St Paul's is a voluntary-aided, Church of England primary school. Its previous section 48 inspection for schools of a religious character was in February 2016. The report is available on the school's website.

The local authority has brokered support for the school and provided human resources advice since the previous inspection. The school is a member of the local cluster of schools. The headteacher of Moorside Community Primary School, a national leader of education, has supported the school since mid-2017.