Children make a good start to their learning in the lower school situated on Penrhyn Avenue. However, the school is failing its pupils in the upper school on Brookscroft Road, where the quality of education is poor. These pupils are not prepared well for the next stage in their learning. In the upper school, teachers do not have high enough expectations of what pupils can achieve. The effective practice in the lower school is not sustained in the upper school. Staff do not have the knowledge to teach all subjects well. This has hindered their planning and teaching. Pupils who struggle with their reading do not catch up quickly enough. Pupils do not consistently focus on their learning. Leaders have created a calm and nurturing environment in the lower school. Children here behave well. They develop strong relationships with adults and each other. Children work well together in class. They enjoy planned activities, for example in learning outside in the forest area or speaking with visitors, including politicians. Leaders support the well-being of staff. Staff morale is good. Pupils feel safe in the school. They trust adults to deal with any concerns. They know how to behave, and incidents of bullying are rare. Parents and carers are very supportive of the school. Comments such as, ‘Staff care passionately about the children,’ and, ‘This is a very good school for early learners’ were typical.