Vernon Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

This is an outstanding school. It was good at the last inspection and has continued to improve in all respects since that time. Pupils are extremely happy and well cared for.

Excellent opportunities are provided for them to achieve academically and personally and, as a result, the achievement of all pupils is outstanding. Parents' and carers' views of the school are overwhelmingly positive. One parent wrote, 'The school and teaching are fantastic and my children are very happy and well challenged in their learning.'

Most children enter Reception with skill levels that are broadly in line with that expected for their age. They go on to make excellent progress and leave the school with outstand...ing achievement and attainment that is well-above average. Outstanding teaching is a key factor contributing to these very positive outcomes for pupils.

Teachers plan activities which closely match pupils' abilities, interests and needs; this helps pupils become enthusiastic learners who apply themselves exceptionally well in lessons. Marking is very thorough and provides good guidance to help pupils understand the next steps in learning. However, teachers do not always offer pupils sufficient opportunities to become involved in assessing and judging how to improve their own work.

Pupils' enthusiasm for school is reflected in their consistently high attendance. Their exceptional behaviour and attitudes to learning contribute very effectively to their excellent progress. Pupils concentrate very well during lessons, treat each other with respect and consideration, and enjoy excellent relationships with the staff who take such good care of them.

School leaders, governors and staff hold clear and ambitious views for continued success. The headteacher and assistant headteachers have continued to drive the school forward with energy and determination. Leadership of teaching and the management of performance are rigorous and a vibrant curriculum inspires and motivates pupils and teachers alike.

Information about the school

This school is larger than most primary schools. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below the national average. Most pupils are White British heritage and very few speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of disabled pupils or those with special educational needs, supported at school action plus or by a statement, is much lower than the national average. The school has a resource unit to help a small number of pupils with statements of special educational needs that have complex moderate learning difficulties. Staff in the resource unit also provide outreach support for other local primary schools.

The school has been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark and Dyslexia Friendly award. It also has the Silver Eco School award and holds Healthy School status. The school meets the government's current floor standards which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

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