Fairfield Community Primary School is in Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan local authority. There are 321 pupils on roll between the ages of three and eleven, including nine who attend the newly-opened nursery on a part-time basis. Pupils are taught in 11 classes, several of which are for pupils from different year groups. The average proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals over the last three years is 12%, which is below the national average (19%). The school identifies that around 13% of pupils have additional learning needs, which is below the national average (22%). Pupils come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The majority are of white British ethnicity and most come from homes where English is the main language. A few pupils speak English as an additional language and a very few pupils come from homes where Welsh is spoken. The headteacher has been in post since September 2008. The school was last inspected in November 2010. Further information is available from the Welsh Government My Local School website at the link below. http://mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk/Schools/SchoolSearch?lang=en 1 A report on Fairfield Primary School February 2018 Summary The school is a strong and cohesive community where pupils feel safe and valued. All staff work effectively together and support pupils’ wellbeing and personal development well. The school’s clear focus on providing a purposeful learning experience through its values-based curriculum is effective in ensuring that nearly all pupils develop positive attitudes, behave well and show respect for other members of the school community. All staff show a good understanding of the individual needs of pupils and provide learning activities that challenge pupils well. Teachers make good use of visits and extra-curricular activities to enrich the curriculum and motivate pupils. As a result, most pupils engage enthusiastically in their learning and make good progress as they move through the school. Leaders show a clear determination to securing pupils’ progress and improving provision. The school has a good track record of making improvements, for example, in raising the standard of pupils’ writing and providing stimulating opportunities for pupils to learn outdoors. Leaders make good use of professional development to strengthen the skills of all staff, particularly in meeting the needs of individual pupils. As a result, the care and guidance provided by staff to all pupils, including those with additional learning needs, support them well. Inspection area Judgement Standards Good Wellbeing and attitudes to learning Good Teaching and learning experiences Good Care, support and guidance Good Leadership and management Good 2 A report on Fairfield Primary School February 2018 Recommendations R1 Ensure that self-evaluation processes clearly identify the specific aspects that require improvement R2 Ensure that teachers use questioning effectively to encourage all pupils to develop their thinking fully R3 Provide clear guidance to pupils on how to improve their written work and sufficient opportunity to make the required changes R4 Improve overall rates of attendance What happens next The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection.