The report says aspects of the school's work are good and inspectors praise the staff's commitment to its stated mission 'to develop children mentally, spiritually and physically'.

Inspectors also highlight the rapid improvements that have been made in the Foundation Stage, where provision and the progress children make is good.

The report says: "The school provides satisfactory care and guidance for pupils but meets their pastoral needs particularly well. Consequently, their personal development, including their behaviour, is good."

Inspectors found evidence that standards are beginning to rise, pupil progress is quickening in some areas and pupils with specific learning needs are supported suitably to make similar progress to their peers.
The curriculum is graded as satisfactory and the report says it promotes good personal development and offers good enrichment.

"Teaching and learning is satisfactory. Some good lessons were seen which challenged all pupils whatever their ability, and these resulted in good progress. Where this is not the case, learning slows and progress is only satisfactory," the report states.

Inspectors rate leadership at the school as satisfactory, but highlight senior leaders' strong contribution to school improvement, which has resulted in 'accurate self-evaluation and focussed actions for improvement'.

To improve further, inspectors recommend raising the quality of teaching and learning by ensuring the school's best features become consistently embedded across the school so all learners make the same good progress.

Headteacher Julie Jenkins said: "I welcome the findings of the inspectors as they reinforce my own views of where and how our school can improve and continue to raise standards.

"Since the new school was established in 2001 we've been absolutely committed to doing better and we have improved year on year.

"Northfield is a school where we all work together as a team, children, parents, staff and governors. We're all immensely proud of what we've achieved already but we're not complacent and we look forward to putting Ofsted's suggestions into action."

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