Ward End Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The progress that pupils make is amongst the very best in the country and they leave with high standards. Senior leaders provide a clear sense of direction and have a positive impact on improving teaching and achievement. In this, they are ably supported by middle leaders and governors.

There is a strong culture of continuous improvement in the school. Pupils think for themselves and learn independently. They love learning and participate exceptionally well in lessons.

Teaching assistants have been well trained. They know just what to do in the classroom and use their initiative to support all pupils' learning. Governmen...t funding has been used very well to provide extra support for those pupils who most need it.

There are warm relationships and strong mutual respect between staff and pupils. Pupils feel safe in school and they are taught how to stay safe. The best teachers share good practice through team teaching that helps all teachers improve.

Teachers ask questions that make pupils think, and pupils use their thinking to ask teachers interesting and relevant questions. This helps deepen their learning. Governors support the school strongly but also ask challenging questions and help the school to think strategically.

Progress is not as fast in Years 3 and 4 because the marking for these pupils is not as effective. Although attendance is improving, it is not high enough, especially for the youngest pupils.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average primary school and has been expanded to take on two extra classes each year so that there are currently four classes in each year of Reception and Year 1, three classes in Year 2 and two classes in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Almost all the pupils come from a range of minority ethnic backgrounds, with the largest group of pupils being from a Pakistani background. The proportion of pupils who are learning English as an additional language is high. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is high.

This is additional Government funding provided to support pupils in local authority care, those from Forces families, and those who are known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportion of pupils on school action is average and the proportion of pupils on school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.