Setting

Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 0300 123 1231 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

Mr S White Headteacher William Ellis School Highgate Road London NW5 1RN

p.1

bullying practice in schools

Thank you for your hospitality and cooperation, and that of your staff and pupils, during my visit on 24 November 2011 as part of our survey of schools’ work to create a positive school culture and prevent and tackle bullying.

p.1

bullying practice in schools

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text without their consent.

p.1

bullying practice in schools

This letter briefly summarises our discussion at the end of the visit.

p.1

Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 Senior leaders have an accurate view of the school and this realistic analysis provides a secure basis on which to plan for improvement.  The ‘sanctions ladder’ provides a clear description of action which will be taken in response to incidents of unacceptable behaviour. The pupils know and understand this approach.  The pupils are also clear that some staff are positive role models. They apply the behaviour policy consistently, in relation to both praise and sanctions.  The recording of incidents (through case studies) is clear and informative about both the actions taken and the advice given. They also record outcomes over time.  The curriculum to support the pupils’ emotional and social well-being is strong and it is delivered and planned by passionate and highly committed staff.

p.1

Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

 developing the skills, knowledge and confidence of staff to ensure a more consistent approach to incidents and to improve the pupils’ confidence in the school’s ability to deal with them  ensuring that all staff and pupils understand that low-level physical aggression is unacceptable.

p.2

Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

I hope that this visit has been useful in the further development of this aspect of the school’s work.

p.2

Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

As explained previously, a copy of this letter will be published on the Ofsted website. It may be used to inform decisions about any future inspection. A copy of this letter is also being sent to your local authority.

p.2