Skip to content

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Schools & FE · School inspection (2012 framework)

St Joseph's Catholic and CofE (VA) Primary School

Inspected 10 Nov 2010 · published 30 Nov 2010 · URN 134773

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Original PDF ↗

Summary

Satisfactory

Joanne Harvey

What we read, and from where

Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.

  • Inspection date verified

    10 Nov 2010

  • Inspectorssingle source

    Joanne Harvey

  • Overall effectivenesssingle source

    Satisfactory

  • Postcode verified

    S43 3LY

  • Name on report verified

    St Joseph's Catholic and CofE (VA) Primary School

  • URN verified

    134773

Page 1 of 16
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.

Grade profile

Hollow rings show the previous inspection, 2007.

  • OverallSatisfactory

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+9Mostly positivemore positive than 2% of reports of this type graded Satisfactory
OutstandingGoodSatisfactory

Reads more critically than most reports of this type graded Satisfactory.

Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.

Praiseoutstandingeffectivepositiveenjoyhappystrengthsimprovedmake good progress
Criticisminadequateweaknesseslackpoormissednot alwaysgapsweakness

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsAbout the inspectionWhat needs to improveLeadership positive critical
  • Findings1943w+13
  • Leadership1498w+2
  • What needs to improve244w+43

Strengths

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Concerns

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Next steps

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

What the report dwells on

Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.

Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
16
Words of findings
3,678
about usual (typical 3005)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 45, typical 44
Average sentence
19 words
Next steps
2
typical 3
Hedged sentences
7%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 42%Leadership 32%What needs to improve 5%About the inspection 20%

Full report text

St Joseph's Catholic and CofE (VA) Primary School Inspection report

p.1

Unique Reference Number 134773 Local Authority Derbyshire Inspection number 360637 Inspection dates 9–10 November 2010 Reporting inspector Joanne Harvey HMI

p.1

This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.

p.1

Type of school Primary School category Voluntary aided Age range of pupils 4–11 Gender of pupils Mixed Number of pupils on the school roll 110 Appropriate authority The governing body Chair Sheila Godley Headteacher Jane Burke Date of previous school inspection 4 December 2008 School address Calver Crescent Chesterfield S43 3LY Telephone number 01246 472798 Fax number 01246 472798 Email address headteacher@st-josephsrccofe.derbyshire.sch.uk

p.1

Age group 4–11 Inspection dates 9–10 November 2010 Inspection number 360637 achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.1

Further copies of this report are obtainable from the school. Under the Education Act 2005, the school must provide a copy of this report free of charge to certain categories of people. A charge not exceeding the full cost of reproduction may be made for any other copies supplied. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 1234 234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.2

You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the documentation in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to 'Subscribe'. Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA T: 0300 1234 234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.2

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by one of Her Majesty's Inspectors and one additional inspector. Ten lessons were observed taught by five teachers. Meetings were held with groups of pupils, the governing body, staff, school leaders at all levels and a representative of the local authority. Inspectors observed the school's work, looked at its documentation, assessment information, school and local authority monitoring information, lesson plans, school policies and 54 questionnaires from parents and carers. The inspection team reviewed many aspects of the school's work. It looked in detail at the following:  Is attainment in writing securely in line with expectations across school?  Is progress at least satisfactory in each key stage, key subject and for different groups?  Are there inconsistencies in the quality of teaching and learning which are resulting in slower progress for pupils in some classes and some subjects?

p.3

Introduction

 Are leadership systems rigorous and accurate in their analysis of the school's strengths and areas for development, and are all leaders effective in ensuring weaknesses are tackled and improvements driven swiftly enough, particularly in the quality of teaching and learning?

p.3

Information about the school

The school is smaller than average of its type. The very large majority of pupils are White British and there are no pupils for whom English is an additional language. An average number of pupils are known to be eligible to claim free school meals. The percentage with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including those with a statement of special educational needs, is lower than in most schools. The school has achieved a National Healthy Schools Award. Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.3

Main findings

This is a satisfactory school. It provides a satisfactory quality of education and a positive and welcoming environment. A key strength is the good care, guidance and support offered to pupils underpinned by a Christian ethos, with every child supported to access all that the school has to offer. Pupils enjoy school and demonstrate this through their above- average attendance. Staff value each pupil and form strong and trusting relationships with them. Pupils say that the teachers are kind and interested in their thoughts and feelings. They feel safe, develop positive attitudes to learning and behave well. Work for the National Healthy Schools Award, opportunities to be physically active and to explore their feelings and emotions result in pupils developing a good understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. By the time they leave Year 6, pupils attain broadly average standards in English, mathematics and science. This represents satisfactory progress from their starting points.

p.4

Main findings

On occasion, standards in mathematics and science have been above average. In reading, in which pupils progress well, standards have been consistently above average in recent years. In writing, progress is relatively slower across the school and, despite a trend for standards in writing to rise slowly by the end of Year 2, they remain lower than in other subjects at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2. This weakness in writing is because pupils are not given enough opportunities to develop their basic written skills, to practise them in other subjects, or to write at length. Not enough pupils achieve the higher grade in writing at the end of Key Stage 1 or in writing and mathematics at the end of Key Stage 2 because teachers do not consistently challenge the more-able of them to achieve their best. However, teaching has much improved and is satisfactory, with some good practice seen during the inspection. Previous inadequate teaching which led to a tailback of

p.4

Main findings

underachievement and pupils needing to catch up in the older year groups is no longer evident. Inconsistencies remain in how well teachers plan to meet the needs of different pupils, tackle misconceptions and the pace at which learning proceeds. Consequently there is not yet enough good teaching to ensure that pupils make good progress. Senior leaders have successfully united staff behind the drive for school improvement. Their evaluation of the school's strengths and areas for development is largely accurate. Systems for monitoring and evaluating the school's work and resulting action plans for improvement are detailed but lack sufficient focus on pupils' learning and outcomes. Participation in strategic planning and self-evaluation has yet to be fully devolved to allow leaders and managers at all levels to play their full part in driving school improvement. Nevertheless, improvements in provision and pupils' outcomes since the last inspection

p.4

Main findings

demonstrate that the school provides satisfactory value for money and a satisfactory capacity to continue to improve. Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.4

What does the school need to do to improve further?

 Quicken pupils' progress and raise attainment in writing by: ensuring there are no gaps in pupils' basic skills providing more opportunities for pupils to practise their writing skills in a range of contexts and to write at length celebrating examples of excellence in writing throughout school.  Bring consistency to the quality of teaching and learning and the rate at which pupils make progress, particularly to ensure more pupils attain the highest grades in writing and mathematics, by: matching work to pupils' needs so all are suitably challenged ensuring teachers do not talk for too long, giving pupils more time to apply their learning in a range of contexts ensuring that teachers check pupils' understanding during lessons and modify tasks if they are too easy or too hard asking questions and setting problem-solving challenges which promote the development of higher-order skills.  Strengthen the impact of leadership and management systems by:

p.5

What does the school need to do to improve further?

ensuring systems for tracking pupils' progress are clear, concise and easily accessible to leaders at all levels ensuring that improvement planning identifies clear measurable outcomes for pupils and interim benchmarks for monitoring success ensuring monitoring and resulting feedback to teachers is sharply focused on pupils' learning further devolving leadership and management so that everyone can play their full part in driving forward school improvement.  Up to 40% of the schools whose overall effectiveness is judged satisfactory may receive a monitoring visit by an Ofsted inspector before their next section 5 inspection.

p.5

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

Observations by inspectors and evidence presented by the school show that attainment is average in English, mathematics and science when pupils leave Year 6. Pupils were seen to be making satisfactory progress in the majority of lessons. For example, in an English lesson, pupils made satisfactory progress in their ability to respond to a text. The task they were given to complete built on their prior learning. Some pupils were supported to make good progress by an additional adult, but most pupils carried out the same task and only make satisfactory gains in their learning. The teacher talked for too long so pupils did not get enough time to practise their writing skills and opportunities were missed to tailor challenging questions to those who found the task too easy. In contrast, in a good lesson, learning about the characteristics of diary writing moved on at a good pace because pupils had been prepared well through a role-play activity. They set their own success criteria

p.5

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

and were challenged by careful individual questioning to check their understanding and challenge their thinking. The additional intervention programmes for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities ensure that they also learn appropriately and make satisfactory and, sometimes, good progress. Where gaps have been identified in the performance of groups, these are narrowing. Pupils' enjoyment of learning is seen in the way they respond to teachers' directions and maintain interest in activities. They take on responsibilities, such as membership of the school council or as prefects. They are thoughtful of others - for example, in raising money to buy playground equipment for the youngest pupils or donating harvest parcels to those in need. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is satisfactory, but their experience of and ability to reflect and comment on their place in a multicultural

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

and multi-faith society is less well developed. They talk convincingly about road safety and how to keep safe on the internet. Pupils' ability to apply their satisfactory basic and personal skills ensures they are prepared suitably for the next stage of their education and lives.

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

These are the grades for pupils' outcomes

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

Pupils' achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning 3

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

Taking into account: Pupils' attainment¹

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

The quality of pupils' learning and their progress 3

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

The quality of learning for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their progress

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

The extent to which pupils adopt healthy lifestyles 2

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

The extent to which pupils contribute to the school and wider community 3

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

The extent to which pupils develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

Taking into account: Pupils' attendance¹

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

The extent of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 3

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

1 The grades for attainment and attendance are: 1 is high; 2 is above average; 3 is broadly average; and 4

p.6

How effective is the provision?

Teachers' expectations of what pupils can achieve have risen. Lesson planning is conscientious and ensures additional adults are deployed suitably so that no pupil falls Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.6

How effective is the provision?

behind and gaps in learning are being addressed. Lesson planning is usually linked to accurate assessments and work is usually adapted to meet the needs of different abilities, although this is not always the case. For example, the more-able are too often expected to complete the same tasks as others before going on to complete additional tasks which may not extend their learning. In the better lessons, teachers confidently employ a range of delivery styles to ensure greater interest and engagement. For example, in a Key Stage 1 lesson, the teacher visited the classroom in character dressed as a chef. The children worked excitedly throughout the lesson, followed the recipe, and wrote their own instructions. They did not realise how hard they were working, but they progressed well with their learning about how to read and write clear instructions and in their understanding of good health and hygiene. In some lessons, teachers talk for too long and

p.7

How effective is the provision?

pupils lack the opportunity to practise their skills. Not all teachers check pupils' understanding during lessons so that they can clear up any misunderstandings or challenge pupils further through well-formulated questions and problem-solving activities. Much work has been done to improve curriculum planning. This now ensures the progression of skills in all subjects and allows creativity in devising cross-curricular topics which pupils enjoy. The approach is relatively new and not fully embedded and there has not been time for its impact to be fully evaluated. There are not enough opportunities to practise writing skills and higher-order skills in mathematics in different contexts. Collaboration with partners ensures enrichment through the arts, sports and additional resources for gifted and talented pupils. For example, the 'Next Steps' project with Chesterfield College helps to raise expectations and aspirations for the future. A range of

p.7

How effective is the provision?

extra-curricular clubs appeal to most interests. Pupils, parents and carers are particularly happy that care and welfare are well promoted. There is vigilance to ensure the needs of the vulnerable are a priority. Particular success is enjoyed in reducing social and emotional barriers to learning through effective collaboration with other agencies and the school's own learning mentor. As a consequence the very few pupils who have difficulty independently maintaining the school's high expectations of their behaviour are supported highly effectively to improve. Consequently, the very few incidents of poor behaviour do not interfere with the experience of others. Pupils are well prepared for transition into and through school and to the next stage of their education.

p.7

How effective is the provision?

These are the grades for the quality of provision

p.7

How effective is the provision?

Taking into account: The use of assessment to support learning

p.7

How effective is the provision?

The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils' needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships

p.7

How effective is the provision?

The effectiveness of care, guidance and support 2 Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.7

How effective are leadership and management?

After a period of challenge and staff changes, the leaders and managers of the school have ensured that all staff are committed to school improvement. Expectations have risen and because there is more rigour to the collection and analysis of information about how well pupils are doing leaders have a much clearer picture of where teaching is less effective, where to focus additional interventions and set more challenging targets for pupils' attainment. Leaders have ensured that the quality of teaching has improved but do not focus enough on the quality of learning taking place. Because systems of self-evaluation have strengthened, leaders, including the governing body, have a more accurate picture of the school's strengths and weaknesses. This has allowed the governing body to be more meaningfully involved in setting the strategic direction of the school and ensuring statutory responsibilities, including safeguarding, are

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

met suitably. There is still work to be done. For example, action planning for improvement does not make clear enough the intended outcomes for pupils in a way which can be measured and monitored easily. Data analysis is not organised sufficiently well to make best use of the considerable information collected to track progress closely. For example, although school leaders demonstrate a satisfactory commitment to promoting equality and tackling discrimination, data presented do not make clear enough how well pupils from different groups represented in school are performing relative to their peers. Many leadership systems are new and still to embed and some middle leaders are new in post. Leadership has yet to be devolved sufficiently so that leaders and managers at all levels can play their full part in driving forward school improvement. Partnerships to promote well-being, particularly for the vulnerable through the local family of schools, are

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

well established. Partnerships to promote learning are less well developed. The school is a harmonious community and promotes links within its immediate locality. Leaders recognise that there is more to be done to promote community cohesion at national and global levels. Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

These are the grades for leadership and management

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

Taking into account: The leadership and management of teaching and learning

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of the governing body in challenging and supporting the school so that weaknesses are tackled decisively and statutory responsibilities met

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of the school's engagement with parents and carers 3

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of partnerships in promoting learning and well-being 3

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness with which the school promotes equality of opportunity and tackles discrimination

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of safeguarding procedures 3

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness with which the school promotes community cohesion 3

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness with which the school deploys resources to achieve value for money 3

p.9

Early Years Foundation Stage

Children are well cared for in the happy and safe indoor environment. They enter the setting with levels of attainment that are similar to those expected for their age in most areas of learning. They make satisfactory and, recently, sometimes better progress. Consequently, they at least attain in line with expectations in most areas of learning and are currently on target to exceed expectations in their early literacy skills by the time the enter Year 1. Progress is at its best when children are working at tasks closely planned and directed by adults who intervene appropriately and encourage them to think and solve problems for themselves. It slows when they initiate their own activities as these are not always planned or structured carefully enough to support learning. Children behave well, cooperate and take care of resources. Opportunities are sometimes lost to encourage further independence and healthy lifestyles, for example through snack-and-drink time,

p.9

Early Years Foundation Stage

hand-washing and hygiene. Detailed information is conscientiously collected about how well children are achieving. Planning for learning based on this information is detailed. Opportunities are missed for children to be more involved in planning their own learning at the outset of sessions and to review their own success at the end. Occasionally, opportunities are missed to link activities more closely through themes to allow children more opportunities to revisit prior learning and try out new learning in different ways. Adults work hard to make the best use of the outdoor learning environment, which is limited by lack of space and variation. Leadership and management are satisfactory. Safeguarding requirements are met. Additional training and support, for example from the local authority, are embraced and have a positive impact. Regular monitoring has resulted in the identification of gaps in learning and the measures required to close them. More challenging targets are being set

p.9

Early Years Foundation Stage

as a result of improved data analysis, although best use is not being made of the Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.9

Early Years Foundation Stage

information collected to drive improvements more quickly. Similarly, action planning for improvement lacks a clear focus on measurable outcomes for children.

p.10

Early Years Foundation Stage

These are the grades for the Early Years Foundation Stage

p.10

Early Years Foundation Stage

Overall effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.10

Early Years Foundation Stage

Taking into account: Outcomes for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage

p.10

Early Years Foundation Stage

The quality of provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.10

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management of the Early Years Foundation Stage

p.10

Views of parents and carers

Considerably more parents and carers than is usual nationally responded to the questionnaire. The very large majority are happy with their children's experience of school and judged the overall management of the school to be effective. They are confident that the school meets their children's needs and that they are kept informed of the progress made. They think that their children are making enough progress and that teaching is good. The vast majority report that their children enjoy school, are kept safe and helped to have a healthy lifestyle. A small minority felt that the school does not deal effectively with unacceptable behaviour. Inspectors examined this concern closely and found the school's management of poor behaviour was effective and other pupils were not affected.

p.10

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Ofsted invited all the registered parents and carers of pupils registered at St Joseph's Catholic and CofE (VA) Primary School to complete a questionnaire about their views of the school. In the questionnaire, parents and carers were asked to record how strongly they agreed with 13 statements about the school. The inspection team received 54 completed questionnaires by the end of the on-site inspection. In total, there are 110 pupils registered at the school.

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Statements Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Total % Total % Total % Total % My child enjoys school 31 57 21 39 2 4 0 0 The school keeps my child safe 36 67 16 30 2 4 0 0

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

My school informs me about my child's progress 29 54 22 41 3 6 0 0

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

My child is making enough progress at this school 34 63 17 31 3 6 0 0

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The teaching is good at this school 35 65 17 31 2 4 0 0

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school helps me to support my child's learning 26 48 25 46 2 4 1 2

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school helps my child to have a healthy lifestyle 30 56 23 43 1 2 0 0

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school makes sure that my child is well prepared for the future (for example changing year group, changing school, and for children who are finishing school, entering further or higher education, or entering employment) 24 44 27 50 2 4 1 2

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school meets my child's particular needs 28 52 24 44 0 0 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school deals effectively with unacceptable behaviour 24 44 16 30 9 17 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school takes account of my suggestions and concerns 28 52 19 35 3 6 3 6

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school is led and managed effectively 32 59 15 28 5 9 1 2

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Overall, I am happy with my child's experience at this school 32 59 20 37 2 4 0 0

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The table above summarises the responses that parents and carers made to each statement. The percentages indicate the proportion of parents and carers giving that response out of the total number of completed questionnaires. Where one or more parents and carers chose not to answer a particular question, the percentages will not add up to 100%.

p.11

Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding These features are highly effective. An outstanding school provides exceptionally well for all its pupils' needs.

p.12

Grade Judgement Description

Grade 2 Good These are very positive features of a school. A school that is good is serving its pupils well.

p.12

Grade Judgement Description

Grade 3 Satisfactory These features are of reasonable quality. A satisfactory school is providing adequately for its pupils.

p.12

Grade Judgement Description

Grade 4 Inadequate These features are not of an acceptable standard. An inadequate school needs to make significant improvement in order to meet the needs of its pupils. Ofsted inspectors will make further visits until it improves.

p.12

Type of school Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

New school inspection arrangements were introduced on 1 September 2009. This means that inspectors now make some additional judgements that were not made previously. The data in the table above are for the period 1 September 2009 to 31 March 2010 and are the most recently published data available (see www.ofsted.gov.uk ). Please note that the sample of schools inspected during the autumn and spring terms 2009/10 was not representative of all schools nationally, as weaker schools are inspected more frequently than good or outstanding schools. Percentages are rounded and do not always add exactly to 100. Secondary school figures in clude those that have sixth forms, and sixth form figures include only the data specifically for sixth form inspection judgements.

p.12

Common terminology used by inspectors

Achievement: the progress and success of a pupil in their learning, development or training.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Attainment: the standard of the pupils' work shown by test and examination results and in lessons.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Capacity to improve: the proven ability of the school to continue improving. Inspectors base this judgement on what the school has accomplished so far and on the quality of its systems to maintain improvement.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Leadership and management: the contribution of all the staff with responsibilities, not just the headteacher, to identifying priorities, directing and motivating staff and running the school.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Learning: how well pupils acquire knowledge, develop their understanding, learn and practise skills and are developing their competence as learners.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Overall effectiveness: inspectors form a judgement on a school's overall effectiveness based on the findings from their inspection of the school. The following judgements, in particular, influence what the overall effectiveness judgement will be.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

 The school's capacity for sustained improvement.  Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils.  The quality of teaching.  The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils' needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships.  The effectiveness of care, guidance and support.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Progress: the rate at which pupils are learning in lessons and over longer periods of time. It is often measured by comparing the pupils' attainment at the end of a key stage with their attainment when they started.

p.13

carers to share with their children. It describes Ofsted's

main findings from the inspection of their school.

p.14

S43 3LY

Thank you for the warm welcome you gave us when we came to inspect your school recently. I also wish to thank those of you who took time to talk with us and tell us about your school. These are some of the things we have said about your school: You make satisfactory progress and reach average standards. Your school gives you good care, guidance and support. There are many things planned for you to do which make your learning more interesting and that you say are fun. You behave well in school, say you feel safe and know how to stay healthy. The teaching you receive and the way your school is led and managed are both satisfactory. We have asked your headteacher, staff and governors to make lessons even better by:  ensuring that there are no gaps in your skills  giving you even more opportunities to write at length and in different ways  displaying and celebrating lots of examples of excellent writing

p.14

S43 3LY

 ensuring that you work at a fast enough pace  giving you more chances to work on your own and solve problems for yourselves  making sure that the work is not too hard or too easy for you  making sure that teachers notice and correct your mistakes and misunderstandings  making sure that all the work the leaders of the school do is focused on your attainment and progress  making sure that all of the adults who lead your school play their part in helping it to improve. You can help your school by continuing to behave well and working with your teachers to achieve the very best you can.

p.14

S43 3LY

Yours sincerely Joanne Harvey Her Majesty's Inspector out in the guidance 'Complaining about inspections', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 1234 234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.14

Discuss this inspection

Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.

Join the discussion