Whittlefield Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The quality of education in the school is good and improving because of the skilled work of school leaders and the support and assistance given by governors.

The new headteacher has set out a clear and ambitious vision for the school. Much of what the school does has been revised and strengthened under her thoughtful, knowledgeable leadership. Staff have a good understanding of what they do well and the next steps for improving the school.

Pupils' achievement across the school is good because the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is strong. Nevertheless, leaders recognise that teachers need to challenge pupils, particularly the... most able, to achieve even more in their work. Senior leaders are skilful at helping staff to develop their skills and work well as a team.

However, middle leaders do not check the quality of teaching for the foundation subjects in enough depth to have a comprehensive overview of the quality of their subject. The school is good at providing support for individual pupils and families who are facing significant challenges in their lives. There is great focus on helping all pupils to develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed.

The culture of safeguarding pupils is very positive throughout the school. Teachers' high expectations make sure pupils behave and learn successfully. Pupils enjoy their learning across subjects and in extra activities.

They are confident in their own abilities and keen to learn more. Teachers lead the provision for children in Nursery and Reception ably. Teaching by the team of teachers and teaching assistants is good and improving.

Children in the early years are becoming confident, skilled learners. They behave themselves and achieve well because : of exciting teaching and the skilled extra help they receive. The teaching of mathematics and writing for three- to five-year-olds is a particular strength.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average primary school. The headteacher, deputy headteacher and several other staff are new to the school since the previous inspection. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils supported through the government's pupil premium funding is above average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average. The proportion of pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below average.

The school meets the government's floor standards, which set the minimum requirements for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school provides a breakfast and after-school club: 'Whitty Kids Club'. The school does not meet requirements on the publication of information about the curriculum, pupil premium and physical education and sport premium funding on its website.