Your School: Acomb First School

Pupil numbers have more than doubled in three years, and one of the school's teaching methods for maths was copied by software manufacturers and is now available on the internet.

Headteacher Lee Madderson said: "The school attaches strong importance to children maximising their progress in the key areas of literacy and numeracy.

"Over recent years we have strengthened our position within the community, which is reflected by our growing numbers on role, our extended curriculum and the improvements made to the grounds and premises."

Name of school: Acomb First School

Type of school: First School

Main findings of most recent Ofsted report:

The most recent Ofsted report (January 2009) reported: "This is a good school with many outstanding features. Staff unfailingly go the extra mile to ensure that pupils of all backgrounds, and with whatever needs, achieve well. Pupils' personal development is outstanding and the care, guidance and support they receive are exceptional. Relationships are excellent. Behaviour is impeccable. Pupils are proud of their school. They are exceptionally well motivated and enjoyment is palpable.

"Children make outstanding progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The innovative collaboration between Little Oaks Nursery and the Reception class secures excellent provision.

"In Key Stages One and Two, progress is good and standards are above and, at times, well above average. Teaching and learning are good in these key stages.

"Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding and particularly strong in social and moral awareness."

How would you describe the school's ethos and values?

To challenge every member of the school to be successful; provide a happy, safe and stimulating environment where children can learn effectively; develop the best possible relationship between all individuals in the school and community based on mutual respect, trust and co-operation.

What are the school's main strengths?

Partnership and commitment shown by all members of our school family (children, staff, governors, parents, villagers) who collectively have given far beyond the norm over recent years to ensure recent developments.

Leadership and management are good. Many successful innovations have been put in place in recent years. Links with the community are strong. Pupil numbers have more than doubled over the last three years. Governors are vigilant and supportive.

As described in the January 09 Ofsted, 'teaching and learning are outstanding and all aspects of assessments are of the highest quality'.

The school attaches strong importance to children maximising their progress in the key areas of literacy and numeracy. However, strong cross-curricular links are explored to further increase motivation and interest. As an example of this, IT provision has been extensively increased and ways of delivering maths developed by the school have now been taken up by software manufacturers and are available on the internet for general use.

What areas are the school trying to improve?

The school is constantly building on the progress that has been made in recent years to further improve the provision for all the children.

As an example of this our approach to physical activity has been recently reviewed and all of our children in years 1-4 now attend the local Wentworth Sports and Leisure Centre in Hexham for a whole morning once a week throughout the year to participate in swimming and multisport activities.

Most recent A-Level/GCSE/SAT results:

In a school our size, results for SATS are not published as they can lead to individual identification of pupils.

However, Ofsted's quotes under the question 'Main findings of most recent Ofsted report' give an indication of our achievement and standards.

How does the school get involved in the local community?

Ofsted quote 2009: "Links with the community at all levels are strong".

The children have extensive links at all levels from village to local area and into the global context.

What is the school's proudest achievement(s)?

Over recent years we have strengthened our position within the community, which is reflected by our continually growing numbers on role, our extended curriculum and the improvements made to the grounds and premises.

Acomb First School Year 4 farewell concert, featuring Abba, Status Quo and Rod Stewart