The following comments were made in the report of our latest
inspection in July 2008, when we were judged to be outstanding in all areas
(Grade 1):
Singleton is an excellent school where all pupils, including those with
learning difficulties and/or disabilities, make very good progress.
By the end of Year 6 standards in English, mathematics and science are
exceptionally high. This is because the whole school community is firmly
focused on providing the very best level of education for pupils and is
continually looking for ways to improve even further.
The quality of education is outstanding, including in the Foundation
Stage.
Exceptionally well planned lesson activities help pupils of different
ages and stages of learning to do their very best. The practical approach
and enthusiasm of teachers motivate pupils especially well.
Curriculum planning links subjects together especially well, making
learning exciting and relevant.
In this small school, all staff know individual pupils very well and pay
outstanding attention to their safety and welfare. Pastoral support is
exceptionally good, resulting in pupils’ excellent personal development.
Moral and social development are particular strengths so that behaviour is
exceptionally good at all times. Pupils feel very safe and secure in school,
commenting that, ‘staff look out for pupils’, and that any unkind behaviour
is swiftly dealt with.
Leadership and management are of an exceptionally high quality. There is
a shared vision amongst staff and governors to secure the best quality of
education in a small village school.
Parents are very appreciative of the school and typically one commented,
‘It is an exceptional school. I am very fortunate that my children attend.’
Provision for Reception children is exceptionally well managed by the
excellent teaching staff, and is of the same high quality seen throughout
the school. Progress is very good and standards are well above those
expected.
In a letter to the pupils, the inspector wrote:
You make very good progress and by the time you leave standards are much
higher than in most schools. Your personal development is excellent,
behaviour is outstanding and you all get on very well together. You develop
into very friendly, thoughtful and mature young people.
