Setting

Mrs Lenise Lilico Headteacher Westoe Crown Primary School Village Centre Sea Whinnings Way South Shields Tyne and Wear NE33 3NS

p.1

Crown Primary School

Thank you for the help which you and your staff gave when we inspected your school on 20 October 2010, for the time you gave to our phone discussions and for the information which you provided before and during the inspection. Please pass on my thanks to the pupils, staff, governors and local authority representatives who we spoke to.

p.1

Crown Primary School

Since the previous inspection there have been several changes to staff, including the appointment of a new deputy headteacher and a new pupil achievement leader in mathematics.

p.1

Crown Primary School

As a result of the inspection on 12 and 13 March 2009, the school was asked to address the most important areas for improvement which are set out in the annex to this letter.

p.1

Crown Primary School

Having considered all the evidence I am of the opinion that at this time the school has made satisfactory progress in making these improvements and satisfactory progress in demonstrating a better capacity for sustained improvement.

p.1

Crown Primary School

Although satisfactory overall, improvement and its impact have varied over time and between the issues identified at the last inspection. There is a growing capacity to address these inconsistencies.

p.1

Crown Primary School

In 2009 attainment in the national tests in English at the end of Key Stage 2 was around average; however, in mathematics and science it declined to below average. Attainment as assessed by teachers at the end of Key Stage 1 was below average in reading and writing and around average in mathematics. In 2010 at the end of Key Suite 22 West Lancashire Investment Centre Maple View White Moss Business Park Skelmersdale WN8 9TG T 0300 123 1231 Text Phone: 0161 6188524 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T 01695 566934 Direct F 01695 729320 Direct email :gtunnicliffe@cfbt.com September 2010 Page 2 Stage 2 pupils did not sit the national tests. Teacher assessments validated by the local authority indicate that there was a significant rise in attainment in English and mathematics. At the end of Key Stage 1 attainment levels remained broadly similar to those in 2009.

p.1

Crown Primary School

In 2009 the proportion of Year 6 pupils who made two levels of progress in English and mathematics during their time at school was lower than at many other schools. Leaders were acutely aware of this and set it as a priority for improvement. According to school records the proportion making two levels of progress in English and mathematics rose significantly in 2010.

p.2

Crown Primary School

The lessons sampled during this inspection demonstrated that the more able pupils are usually challenged sufficiently to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding at an appropriate rate. As a result their progress was at least satisfactory. The proportion of pupils who from this group reach higher levels of attainment has improved according to school records. However, the school has appropriately identified that lesson planning and assessment is not always tailored to meet their precise needs. The school development plan prioritises this as an area for improvement.

p.2

Crown Primary School

The school introduced a more robust marking policy last year. The mathematics books sampled indicate that good progress had been made in improving the quality of marking although some inconsistency remains. Pupils are given better advice on the work they have done and how they can improve. Discussions with pupils indicate that most know what their targets are and what they need to do to improve.

p.2

Crown Primary School

The single central record of safeguarding checks made on staff complies with current recommendations although a small number of administrative errors were identified; the school immediately set about putting these matters right.

p.2

Crown Primary School

The newly appointed pupil achievement leaders and senior leaders have accurately identified the most important areas for improvement. Although the full impact of the new monitoring and evaluation systems has yet to be fully reflected in improvements to the quality of provision, there are significant signs that the school is moving in the right direction. Consequently there is an improving capacity for sustained improvement.

p.2

Crown Primary School

The school engages effectively with the local authority which has provided appropriate support.

p.2

Crown Primary School

I hope that you found the inspection helpful in promoting improvement in your school. This letter will be posted on the Ofsted website.

p.2

place in March 2009

 Increase the use of monitoring and evaluation to tackle inconsistencies in progress between classes and between subjects.  Raise standards in mathematics.  Improve the progress of the more able pupils.  Improve the quality of marking in mathematics so that pupils are clearer about what they have done well and how they can improve.

p.3