Stapleford Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Despite many considerable changes and challenges since the previous inspection, leaders and governors are committed to ensuring that Stapleford serves its local community and families well.

Leaders and governors have a good understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. However, they do not always focus and act on the most important priorities. Pupils' outcomes since the previous inspection have been largely above the national average.

Progress of pupils currently in the school is good. However, progress in mathematics in key stage 2 still lags behind that in reading and writing. Pupils in key stage 1 typically reach a...bove-average standards in reading, writing and mathematics.

The proportion of pupils who attain the required standard in the phonics screening check in Year 1 is above the national average. Assessment procedures are still developing. Although leaders have systems in place to track pupils' progress and attainment, they do not use this information incisively enough.

Teachers know the pupils in their classes well. However, learning in the mixed-aged class does not always challenge pupils to do the best they can, particularly the most able pupils. When marking pupils' work, teachers do not always tell pupils what they need to do next in their learning in mathematics.

The curriculum is very well planned to motivate and engage pupils and broaden their horizons and ambitions. The many extra-curricular activities are very much appreciated and welcomed by pupils and parents alike. Pupils behave very well both inside and outside the classroom.

They are polite, courteous and respectful of their classmates and adults. Leadership of the early years is good, and ensures that children get off to a flying start. Adults know the children and their families very well, often forming strong relationships with parents.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strength of the school. The headteacher and his team have the confidence of parents and staff, who hold this village school with its caring ethos in high esteem. Pupils love coming to their 'fantastic, fun' school and are proud of their individual and collective achievements.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. This Christian faith school is smaller than the average primary school. Pupils are taught in three mixed-age classes.

There are two further classes in the early years. One accommodates Nursery- and Reception-age children. The other class is for the school's rising three-year-old children who attend school in the mornings only.

The majority of pupils and children in the school are White British. None speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average, as is the proportion of pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan. The school meets the current floor standards, which are the minimum set by the government. The school runs its own breakfast and after-school clubs.