Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the previous inspection, the headteacher, governors and other leaders have raised standards in the school.

As a result, the school's overall effectiveness is now good. Leaders and governors have an accurate view of the school's strengths. They are ambitious for all pupils.

They are committed to improving the school further. The strong promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development prepares them well for life in modern Britain. In this caring and inclusive school, pupils are tolerant and respectful.

Teachers' good subject knowledge and well-planned activities enable pupils to achieve well over time. P...upils acquire good knowledge, skills and understanding in a wide range of subjects, particularly in English and mathematics. The teaching of reading is a high priority.

Plentiful opportunities are on offer so that pupils develop their reading skills well and access a wide range of reading materials. Strong leadership in the early years ensures that children benefit from teaching that engages and interests them. Pupils are confident and self-assured.

A smile is commonplace in the school. Pupils, in the main, demonstrate positive attitudes to learning, and this contributes to their strong progress over time. Pupils' attendance has improved because of the concerted efforts of leaders and their close monitoring of individual pupils.

Despite this, a significant minority of pupils do not attend as regularly as they should. Most teachers' questioning and learning activities develop pupils' ideas and understanding of different concepts. However, there are occasions when teachers' questioning and planned learning activities do not extend or deepen pupils' understanding of concepts in some subjects.

The curriculum is broad and varied. Pupils' English and mathematics skills are well developed over time. However, despite leaders' curriculum development being well under way, pupils are not consistently challenged to delve deeply into concepts and topics in some subjects.

Information about this school

The school is a smaller than average primary school situated in Hartlepool in the north east of England. The school is a Church of England voluntary aided school in the Diocese of Durham. The school's previous section 48 inspection was on 11 December 2017.

The vast majority of pupils are White British. There are a small number of pupils who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils in receipt of free school meals is significantly higher than the national average.

The school serves a higher-than-average proportion of pupils who require additional support for SEND. The proportion of pupils joining or leaving the school is higher than that found nationally. The school uses one alternative provider, Daisy Chain.