St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport

St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport Inspection report

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Unique Reference Number 106129 Local Authority Stockport Inspection number 355888 Inspection dates 29–30 November 2010 Reporting inspector David Halford

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

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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 369 Appropriate authority The governing body Chair Cllr Anthony O'Neill Headteacher Mrs P Smith Date of previous school inspection 9 July 2008 School address Didsbury Road Stockport Cheshire SK4 3JH Telephone number 0161 432 5782 Fax number 0161 432 5782 Email address headteacher@st-winifreds.stockport.sch.uk

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Age group 4–11 Inspection dates 29–30 November 2010 Inspection number 355888 Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 2 of 14

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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.

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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 .

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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 Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 3 of 14

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by three additional inspectors who visited 15 lessons. The inspectors observed 13 teachers and held discussions with governors, staff, groups of pupils and the School Improvement Partner. They observed the school's work, and looked at policies, records of meetings, assessment information and curriculum planning. In addition, 73 responses to the parents' and carers' questionnaires were analysed. The inspection team reviewed many aspects of the school's work. It looked in detail at a number of key areas.  Pupils' progress and their ability to work independently.  If teaching and learning had improved since the last inspection.  Whether there was sufficient challenge for more able pupils.  The safety and well-being of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about the school

This is a larger-than-average sized primary school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is also below average. There are no pupils with a statement of special educational needs. Most pupils are White British. Since the last inspection the school has been the subject of a significant building programme, which is still continuing. The school has gained a number of awards including Activemark, Healthy Schools Status, Eco-Schools and the International Schools award. Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 4 of 14

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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

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Main findings

This is a good school. Pupils are cared for outstandingly well and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is particularly strong. The care of pupils is a major feature of the school's work and this is appreciated by the vast majority of parents and carers. One parent commented, 'All my children have enjoyed their time at this school. There is a fantastic ethos and a very strong community which we are proud to be part of.' Good elements of personal development are central to the school's success. Good leadership and management ensure that the provision made for the pupils is effective. Good teaching is promoting good learning throughout the school from the children's first steps in the Reception year until they leave at the end of Year 6. The school has successfully improved since the last inspection. The school's self-evaluation is accurate and its capacity for further improvement is good.

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Main findings

Pupils make good progress throughout the school from starting points in Reception which are typically as expected for their age. As a result, pupils' attainment by the end of Year 6 is above average in English, mathematics and science. There are examples of high-quality marking which enable pupils to have a clear understanding of how to improve their work. All staff do not, however, apply this good practice consistently across the school. The curriculum is particularly strong in promoting pupils' basic skills. However, it does not have a strong enough focus on providing creative opportunities for pupils to learn when links are established between subjects and on developing pupils' skills in information and communication technology (ICT) in a systematic manner. The school leaders are at an early stage in developing the role of middle leaders in some subjects so they can make a greater contribution to school improvement.

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Main findings

Pupils behave well and enjoy coming to school; this results in their above-average levels of attendance. They feel safe and the way in which they adopt healthy lifestyles is good. A wide range of enrichment activities extend the curriculum and contribute well to pupils' learning. The effectiveness of the safeguarding procedures is good.

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What does the school need to do to improve further?

 Improve the consistency in the quality of marking, so that all pupils understand how to improve their work.  Improve the school's curriculum by: providing more opportunities for pupils to learn through the use of creative links between subjects developing pupils' ICT skills more systematically in different lessons. Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 5 of 14

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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

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Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate

 Develop the role of all middle leaders in all subjects so they can make a significant contribution to school improvement.

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

Pupils enjoy their work in lessons and are keen to do well. Pupils are keen to talk about the activities they take part in. As a result, they grow in confidence and self-esteem and learn to work collaboratively and independently. This was seen to good effect, for example, in lessons in Year 6. Pupils worked effectively together in a Year 3 lesson about the Romans, and pupils showed much enjoyment in a Year 2 lesson in French. Pupils' achievement is good. The pace of learning and the rate of progress pupils are making are good and this is the case for all groups of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils have good literacy and numeracy skills and these develop well as they progress through school. Although a relatively small number of the more able pupils attain the higher level in writing by the end of Year 2, most pupils progress well to the higher level in writing by the end of Year 6. Most have good

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

communication skills and they are well-prepared for the next stage in their education. The pupils have a good understanding of how to keep healthy and they are developing skills which will assist them in adult life well. School councillors take their responsibilities seriously and know that they are making a difference to the work of the school. The Catholic ethos of the school is central to the work of the school and it promotes the pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development particularly strongly. Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 6 of 14

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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

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Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate

These are the grades for pupils' outcomes

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Pupils' achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning 2

Taking into account: Pupils' attainment¹

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Pupils' achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning 2

The quality of pupils' learning and their progress 2

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Pupils' achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning 2

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

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2

Taking into account: Pupils' attendance¹

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The extent of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 1

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

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How effective is the provision?

There have been improvements since the previous inspection in the quality of teaching. It is good overall and lessons seen varied between satisfactory and outstanding. Teachers' questioning skills are generally good and in the best lessons pupils are managed effectively, co-operate well, show an interest and are engaged with their work. However, opportunities are sometimes missed to engage pupils in class discussions about their work. On occasions, activities are not matched closely enough to the needs of pupils, some of whom soon finish the tasks set, as too much time is allowed for them to complete their work; the pace of learning then slackens. But overall, progress in most lessons is good. The good progress of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is because of early identification of their needs which results in prompt and effective support from teachers and skilled teaching assistants.

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How effective is the provision?

The curriculum is strong in promoting pupils' basic skills and is widely enriched by extra- curricular activities and good partnership arrangements to broaden provision. However, many subjects are taught in isolation from each other and pupils have limited opportunities to learn when subjects are creatively linked together to enhance the relevance of the work and to 'bring the curriculum to life'. The care, guidance and support pupils receive is very strong and central to the improvement the school has made. Effective links with outside agencies mean more vulnerable pupils are supported well. Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 7 of 14

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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

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Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate

These are the grades for the quality of provision

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The quality of teaching 2

Taking into account: The use of assessment to support learning

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How effective are leadership and management?

Leaders, managers and staff are ambitious for success. Expectations of pupils are high and good use is made of challenging targets to raise attainment. Purposeful leadership has provided the direction and drive to secure improvement since the last inspection. Subject leadership is well established and effective in literacy and numeracy. Currently, subject leadership is not fully established across all subjects and some middle leaders are not yet fully involved in securing school improvement. Christian values and the promotion of equal opportunities are central to its work. This results in good progress being made by different groups of pupils. Rare instances of discrimination are tackled promptly and effectively. The school has a good understanding of the religious, ethnic and social characteristics of the community it serves and it has good links with a range of community groups. The work of the school is having a positive influence on community cohesion both

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How effective are leadership and management?

within school and beyond. Initiatives to strengthen links with families are more variable. Links with most parents and carers are good. Members of the governing body are well informed and monitor the school's performance closely. There is a good balance between offering encouragement and support whilst also providing challenge to school leaders. Members of the governing body have a good understanding of the areas in which the school needs to improve further. Safeguarding procedures are effective and safe working is evident in daily routines. The school gives good value for money. Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 8 of 14

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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

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Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate

These are the grades for leadership and management

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2

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

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Early Years Foundation Stage

Children settle quickly into routines. A warm, caring ethos prevails and every child is supported and cared for well. Adults are skilled in promoting children's good behaviour and consideration towards others. Independence is encouraged and many children enjoy playing without adult direction for considerable periods of time. Relationships with parents and carers are positive. Children enjoy learning; for example, in one session they were very excited to discover that Father Christmas had visited their classroom in the night. Children made and wrapped presents before taking them to the 'sorting office'. Outdoors, children enthusiastically built a Polar Express to take presents to Santa, before coming in to warm their hands in front of the 'fire'. All staff are skilled in knowing when to observe, when to intervene, and how to interact with children to enhance their learning. Leadership is strong. Leaders have a good awareness of the strengths of the provision and

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Early Years Foundation Stage

where further improvements can be made. For example, a focus for the coming year is rightly on further developing the teaching of phonics. By the end of the year children have made good progress from their starting points.

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Early Years Foundation Stage

These are the grades for the Early Years Foundation Stage

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Overall effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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

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Overall effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

The quality of provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Overall effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

The effectiveness of leadership and management of the Early Years Foundation 2 Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 9 of 14

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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

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Views of parents and carers

A large majority of the parents and carers who responded to the inspection questionnaire were entirely supportive of the school and expressed an appreciation for all the school does for their children. Some highlighted their appreciation of the school's care and concern for families when coping with times of significant difficulty. The inspection team agrees with the supportive comments made. A small minority of parents and carers expressed concerns about the management of the school, its lack of response to parents' suggestions and the challenges experienced by the school during its building work. A very small number of long letters accompanied some of these responses. The majority of parents and carers who expressed concerns indicated that they were happy with the school's provision for their children and felt that they were making good progress. The inspection team judged the school's leadership and management to be good, but

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Views of parents and carers

suggested to the school's leaders that they might seeks ways to improve communication with parents and carers to ensure that all were fully informed about school developments. Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 10 of 14

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Ofsted invited all the registered parents and carers of pupils registered at St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport 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.

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The inspection team received 73 completed questionnaires by the end of the on-site inspection. In total, there are 369 pupils registered at the school.

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My child enjoys school 52 71 20 27 0 0 1 1 The school keeps my child safe 42 58 25 34 5 7 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My school informs me about my child's progress 27 37 39 53 4 5 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My child is making enough progress at this school 29 40 39 53 2 3 2 3

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The teaching is good at this school 30 41 37 51 3 4 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school helps me to support my child's learning 31 42 36 49 4 5 1 1

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school helps my child to have a healthy lifestyle 35 48 33 45 3 4 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

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) 28 38 32 44 8 11 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school meets my child's particular needs 32 44 36 49 3 4 1 1

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school deals effectively with unacceptable behaviour 29 40 34 47 2 3 2 3

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school takes account of my suggestions and concerns 21 29 38 52 7 10 3 4

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school is led and managed effectively 19 26 35 48 5 7 8 11

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

Overall, I am happy with my child's experience at this school 33 45 37 51 1 1 2 3

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

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%. Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 11 of 14

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Grade Judgement Description

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

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Grade Judgement Description

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

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Grade Judgement Description

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

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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.

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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. Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 12 of 14

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Common terminology used by inspectors

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

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Common terminology used by inspectors

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 13 of 14

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

main findings from the inspection of their school.

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Stockport, SK4 3JH

My colleagues and I really enjoyed our recent visit to your school. Thank you very much for your warm welcome and for looking after us so well. You were very helpful in lessons and when we asked you to explain what you were doing. You were also very friendly around the school. Particular thanks should go to everyone who spoke with us and who helped us to understand why it is that you enjoy going to your school so much. St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School is a good and improving school, with some really interesting work taking place. The staff care for you all very well and make sure you feel safe and secure. Your headteacher and her staff manage your school well. I shall remember my lesson with the Rouge, Jejune and Vert groups and your interesting questioning in Year 6, as well as the discussion I had with those of you who shared part of their lunchtime with me. When we visit schools we also look for things which will help each school to get even

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Stockport, SK4 3JH

better. We have asked the school to do a number of things. We think your teachers should provide more creative lessons where subjects are linked together and to help you to develop your skills in ICT. We also want teachers who are taking on responsibilities for different subjects to be more involved in improving the work of the school. We also want all your teachers to mark your work very carefully and tell you how to improve. Thank you once again for all your help when we made our visit to you. We send you all our very best wishes for the future. We do hope that you continue to enjoy learning as much as you do at the moment.

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Stockport, SK4 3JH

David Halford Lead inspector Inspection report: St Winifred's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stockport, 29–30 November 2010 14 of 14

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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 .

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