Swallowfield Primary

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

This is a good school, in which pupils make good progress.

It has several outstanding aspects. It provides an excellent caring and supportive environment, particularly, but not exclusively for those pupils whose circumstances make them most vulnerable. Pupils feel extremely happy and safe in the school because of the excellent relationships and good safeguarding arrangements, and consequently they enjoy school; their attendance is high.

As one said, 'I love coming to school, because it's very friendly, and I am happy and learn lots of things'. Pupils know well how to keep healthy and fit, and they are well behaved and courteous. The school is popular with parents and carers.

This is ...reflected in their very positive comments on questionnaires. For example, one wrote: 'The teaching and support staff have consistently exceeded our expectations. Our son thoroughly enjoys all aspects of his schooling.

The one-to-one contact and individual learning levels ensure that he is receiving the appropriate support'. Pupils' achievement is good and their attainment is rising. They get off to a good start in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

They make good progress through the school and by the end of Year 4 they attain standards which are above those generally expected at this stage of their education. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified promptly, supported well and make good progress. The curriculum is good.

It is well organised and imaginative, and pupils' learning is enriched by many exciting in-school activities, as well as a range of visits and visitors. However, pupils have comparatively few experiences or knowledge of other cultures. The quality of teaching and learning is good.

There are examples of outstanding practice where expectations are high and work finely tuned to pupils' needs. In some lessons, the challenge and the opportunities for independent learning are less pronounced, and teachers' assessments of learning during lessons are not so sharp, so activities are not quickly adapted to move pupils forward more rapidly in their learning. The school is well led by the headteacher, who is well supported by her deputy and staff.

Morale is high and teamwork is strong. Self-evaluation is effective, drawing on observation of lessons and analysis of data. Excellent use is made of outside partnerships to benefit pupils' well-being and learning.

Similarly, the involvement of parents and carers in their children's learning is exceptional. The knowledgeable and challenging governing body is systematically involved in monitoring the school to hold it to account in all areas. The school gives good value for money, and demonstrates good capacity for sustained improvement.

Information about the school

Swallowfield Lower School is a larger than average school of its type. A large majority of pupils are White British and the proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is average. However, the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is also below average as is the proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school has Healthy School status and the International School Award. The on-site 'Busy Bees' pre-school provision was the subject of a recent separate inspection.