Sticklands Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have acted with determination and skill to bring about improvements to all aspects of the school. Teaching is consistently good. Pupils now achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics.

Subject leaders in English and mathematics fulfil their roles admirably. They have brought about teaching that provides challenge for all pupils, including the most able. Governors are clear about the strategic direction of the school.

They sustain a focus on checking that improvements lead to pupils' good progress. Leaders closely oversee the use of the pupil premium. Leaders use it successfully to help disadvantaged pupils make good progress....

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well. Their parents and carers appreciate the school's skilled support for their children's learning and welfare. Teachers have high expectations of all pupils.

They set tasks which are challenging but well matched to pupils' abilities. They check that all pupils understand the learning. Children in the early years make good progress across the curriculum.

They gain confidence and independence by exploring outdoors to learn about the natural world. Pupils behave well. The school is a safe, friendly and encouraging place to learn.

All aspects of reading, including phonics skills, are taught well. Teachers broaden pupils' personal reading by introducing them to a wide range of literature. Teachers develop pupils' writing across a range of subjects.

However, there are occasions when teachers do not insist that pupils write accurately. Pupils repeat spelling errors or do not maintain good standards of handwriting. Pupils work enthusiastically in mathematics and develop good problem-solving skills.

On occasions, pupils do not set out their work or explain their thinking as clearly as they could. Leaders hold a wealth of information about the quality of teaching and pupils' progress. However, their evaluations are not sufficiently sharp to identify fully where improvements could still take place.

Information about this school

Sticklands Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is smaller than the average-sized primary school. There are four classes. Children join the school in the Reception class.

The other classes are mixed age. The school has a very wide rural catchment area and the majority of pupils travel on buses to and from the school. The proportion of pupils with SEND in some classes is very high.

Across the school, it is above the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is below the national average. Almost all pupils are from a White British background.