The curriculum for children under five appropriately addresses the areas of learning recommended for very young children. For the remainder of the school, the planning is carefully matched to the requirements of the National Curriculum and this helps pupils build on their skills from year to year. A small number of parents expressed concerns about the provision for pupils in mixed age classes. The inspection findings show that, generally, the school manages the situation well, with different work often being set for the two year groups. The school's arrangements for the assessment of pupils' attainment are very good.
Teachers assess pupils methodically and make good use of the results to plan further work.
They mark pupils' work regularly, often with written guidance to help them to improve the standards of their work. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural provision is a very strong feature of the school's work. Pupils' spiritual development takes a high priority in this school and, whilst assemblies have a significant part to play, every opportunity is taken to include spiritual elements in lessons. The provision for pupils' social development is very good. Pupils' independence and a sense of responsibility are encouraged in class and in extracurricular activities.