Overall effectiveness of the school

Nailsworth Church of England Primary School provides a good education and has a number of

outstanding features. Parents and pupils are extremely happy with the school and are eloquent

in their praise of the improvements brought about since the appointment of the current

headteacher. One parent commented, 'This is a fantastic school that seems to be continually

improving. The passion and enthusiasm of the head seems almost infectious.'

The headteacher provides outstanding leadership. He has introduced significant reforms,

including very rigorous self-evaluation. This ensures that the school works consistently to

improve pupils' learning. Staff share his vision and middle managers are becoming increasingly

involved in helping to lead the school. Governance is outstanding. Governors know the school

inside out and both support and hold it to account, as required. Systematic changes to the

school are relatively recent and their full effect has yet to be felt.

By the time pupils leave school, their standards are above average and they have achieved well.

In the past there have been some variations in the rates of progress in different year groups

and with more able pupils achieving less well than they might. Recent improvements to teaching

have begun to successfully address these issues, boosting the progress and standards of all

pupils and the school now recognises that there is scope for more able pupils to do even better.

The curriculum is excellent. It is rich and varied and provides many splendid opportunities in

the arts, sport and extra-curricular activities. Teaching and learning are good. Classrooms have

a positive, dynamic atmosphere where adults and pupils alike collaborate enthusiastically to

ensure good progress. Lessons are well-planned and pacy. A lack of consistency in the quality

of marking of pupils' work, together with a lack of personal targets, means that pupils do not

always have a sufficient understanding of the standards of their work and how they could

improve.

Pupils' behaviour is outstanding and this makes a significant contribution both to their learning

and their excellent personal development. Pupils love their school, have very few criticisms and

have an exceptionally good understanding of how to stay healthy and safe. The school provides

high quality care for pupils, and those with learning difficulties receive extremely effective

support.