St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield

St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield Inspection report

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Unique Reference Number 115071 Local Authority Essex Inspection number 357690 Inspection dates 4–5 November 2010 Reporting inspector Katherine Beck

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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 controlled Age range of pupils 4–11 Gender of pupils Mixed Number of pupils on the school roll 46 Appropriate authority The governing body Chair Neil Pymen Headteacher Naomi Snowdon Date of previous school inspection 12 May 2008 School address Church Lane Halstead CO9 4DS Telephone number 01787 237354 Fax number 01787 237534 Email address admin@st-margaretscofe.essex.sch.uk

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Age group 4–11 Inspection dates 4–5 November 2010 Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 2 of 15 Inspection number 357690 Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 3 of 15

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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 Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 4 of 15

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by one additional inspector who observed seven lessons taught by three different teachers. The inspector held meetings with parents, groups of pupils, staff and representatives of the governing body. The inspector observed the school's work, and looked at documentation including the procedures for safeguarding pupils, the school's self-evaluation form and the school development plan. In addition the inspector looked at the report from the school improvement partner, pupils' work, records of pupils' progress, notes of the monitoring of teaching, attendance records and the results of 28 parents' questionnaires. The inspector reviewed many aspects of the school's work. She looked in detail at the following:  How improvements to most aspects of the school over the last two years have impacted the outcomes for pupils.  The effectiveness of the provision for pupils with special educational needs and/ or

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Introduction

disabilities.  The effectiveness of provision and planning for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about the school

This is a very small primary school. All pupils come from White British backgrounds and speak English as their first language. Most live close to the school, but there are some who live further away and travel to school by bus. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below the national average. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/ or disabilities is similar to that found in most schools. The school is organised into three classes. Pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are in one class. The second class is for pupils in Years 3 and 4 and the third for pupils in Years 5 and 6. Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 5 of 15

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

Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

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Main findings

St Margaret's is a good school that plays an important role within its local community. It strongly promotes an ethos that, 'you can do it', building pupils' confidence. Changes since the last inspection have had a significant impact on all aspects of its work, but especially on the outcomes for pupils. Strong teamwork, high expectations and a clear sense of purpose that is shared, not only by adults but also pupils, has resulted in a rising trend in attainment, high levels of punctuality and attendance, excellent adoption of healthy lifestyles and exemplary behaviour. Pupils are very proud of their school and community, take on responsibilities and have a strong voice in the decisions related to changes they believe will improve the school. Older pupils in particular, are highly aspirational and have excellent skills in working collaboratively, solving problems and raising and managing money. The many opportunities to sing, as well as to play the ukulele add much to pupils'

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Main findings

enjoyment of school. Good partnerships with other local primary schools means pupils often attend events that help them to develop friendships with children beyond their immediate locality. This gives them a broader understanding of life outside the village, as well as easing their transfer to secondary school. These partnerships are also successful in enabling staff to work together to share their expertise, to enhance provision and raise attainment and progress. Consequently, planning and provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage has improved and children make good progress. That said, planning is not including sufficient opportunities for children of this age to learn how to solve problems and use their imagination in their play indoors and outdoors. Determined action taken since the last inspection to improve the quality of teaching and learning from satisfactory has been successful. As a result, in the past two years, pupils

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Main findings

have reached above average and in some individual cases high standards, before leaving the school. A recent review, in consultation with parents, has brought about effective changes to the provision for pupils with special educational needs. This means the work for these pupils is matched closely to their needs and they too make good, and in some instances, rapid progress. The track record of improvements and robust self-evaluation procedures underpin the school's good capacity to improve. These procedures involve seeking the views of staff, parents, pupils and the governing body. Together they have identified key areas for development with regard to the curriculum and assessment. Recently, a new curriculum has been introduced to develop pupils' creativity, knowledge and skills in a systematic way as they move through the school. It is too early to see if it is having the desired impact. The outstanding assessment strategies that enhance the rate of pupils' progress in Years 5

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Main findings

and 6 have been extended into other classes However, not all pupils in other year groups know sufficiently what they do well and what they need to do to improve. Parents Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 6 of 15

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

appreciate fully all that the school offers and the high quality care, guidance and support given to their children. One wrote, 'My daughter's enthusiasm for learning has come on leaps and bounds.'

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What does the school need to do to improve further?

 Extend assessment strategies so they are used consistently throughout the school to ensure that all pupils have a very good idea about what they are doing well and what they need to do to improve  Monitor the impact of the new curriculum to ensure that: children in Reception have more opportunities to think of ways to solve problems and be creative in their play indoors and outdoors pupils build on the knowledge and skills they learn in different subjects each year and are given the chance to express their ideas creatively.

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 1

Pupils in Years 1 to 4 make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics and achieve well. In Years 5 and 6 pupils, including those with special educational needs review their work and targets each week, individually, with their teacher and this accelerates their rate of progress significantly. Pupils' strong contribution to the school community ensures that the school has a really positive atmosphere in which to learn. The newly introduced opportunity to write kind comments or a thank you to make another child happy has proved very successful in helping children to be thoughtful to one another. Pupils of all ages acquire important skills they will need for the future by working collaboratively in pairs or small groups in lessons. All have a keen awareness of healthy lifestyles. As a result, pupils only eat healthy snacks, the take up for the nutritious lunches prepared on the premises is high and pupils participate in a wide range of sports in and

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 1

out of school. Pupils apply for and undergo interviews to carry out different duties around the school and earn points that they collect to swap for an item they would like to own. Pupils contribute confidently their ideas to school improvement targets by saying how they can be the best learners, make lunchtimes and playtimes happy and make the school a safe place to be. Their contribution to the wider community, raising large sums of money during the recent 'Sing Up', running stalls at the local fete and taking part in national events adds a great deal to their personal development. Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 7 of 15

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Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is sat isfactory, 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 sat isfactory, 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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1

Taking into account: Pupils' attendance¹

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The extent of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 2

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?

Overall teaching is good and in some cases outstanding. Teachers use imaginative ways to make learning purposeful and relevant in order to capture pupils' interest and enable them to learn and apply new skills effectively. For example, to help pupils write instructions clearly, they were asked to work in pairs, one of them blindfolded, and guide their partner through a short obstacle course. To do this successfully pupils had to be very specific in their instructions. This resulted in high quality work and pupils learned to trust each other and work in a safe manner. Information provided at the beginning of lessons gives pupils a clear idea about what they are to learn and achieve. Staff make good use of time, new technology and effective questioning to deepen knowledge and understanding. Pupils receive clear feedback and tasks are amended if they are too difficult or too easy. Their exemplary behaviour enables

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How effective is the provision?

staff to give individual support and guidance without interruption and add to pupils' learning. A new topic-based curriculum introduced recently to overcome previous inconsistencies in the development of skills year on year, enables pupils to apply their literacy, numeracy and information technology skills well to a range of subjects. It is enriched by activities arranged in cooperation with other schools and events in the locality that promote pupils' personal development very successfully. Visitors to the school and a range of extra- curricular activities that include sport and music, also add to pupils' enjoyment of learning. Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 8 of 15

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

Strong links with the local playgroup, and arrangements for the youngest children to start in Reception at different times of the year, help children to settle in quickly. When it is time to transfer to secondary school pupils are prepared well. Advice sought from partnerships with other agencies, especially behaviour support and a home school support worker, ensures provision is sharply targeted to help pupils overcome barriers to their learning.

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Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is sat isfactory, 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?

The headteacher, assistant headteacher, staff and governing body all share the determination and ambition for each individual pupil, to do their very best. Since the last inspection they have worked closely as a team. Through the strong leadership of the headteacher, resources have been directed well to bring about much improved rates of pupils' progress. There is strong emphasis on improving the quality of teaching, from satisfactory at the time of the last inspection, through teamwork and visits to lessons. This has resulted in consistently good teaching in mixed-age classes. Sharply focused targets set for improving teaching are reviewed regularly. As a result of this rigorous monitoring all lessons are at least good. The school is very committed to the promotion of equal opportunities. Gaps between the progress of pupils in different classes are closing. The school has identified the strategies,

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How effective are leadership and management?

such as in-depth assessments and a skill-based curriculum. Procedures to check the school's effectiveness are robust and key strengths and areas for development are identified to work on in the shorter and longer term. Expertise, to raise the skills of all staff, is sought from the local authority, other agencies and local schools. In particular this has raised the quality of provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The governing body uses its broad and good range of expertise in education, personnel, finance and buildings to support and challenge the school very effectively, as well as check the quality of provision. To assist in this the views of parents are sought each term. The budget is monitored carefully and resources directed to benefit the pupils to good effect. Provision for safeguarding pupils is also evaluated regularly by the governing body to check its effectiveness to ensure pupils are safe. The governing body and staff are well

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How effective are leadership and management?

trained and training for staff with regard to first aid, especially for paediatric first aid, child protection and safer recruitment is up to date. The governing body has a good plan to promote community cohesion. The plan shows that the school knows its own community well and has strong links with the local church and community settings. As part of this, the governing body is seeking to enable pupils to Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 9 of 15

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

make a link with a school in Africa and extend their knowledge of other cultures. Pupils have held events to learn more about the cultures of people who live in Spain, France and Germany and raise funds to assist children living in poorer parts of the world.

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

These are the grades for leadership and management

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1

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

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Early Years Foundation Stage

Good leadership and management mean that skills in teaching children of this age group have improved since the last inspection. Children make good progress from their different starting points. In 2010 almost all children reached the national average across all the areas of learning and some exceeded it. Analysis of data shows that children make the best progress in their personal, social and emotional development, and knowledge and understanding of the world. Children do not do as well in problem solving and calculation of numbers. Staff know the children well and track their progress through frequent, thorough observations of what they can do. They do not always identify the next step that children need to learn, and ensure that tasks meet those needs. Curriculum planning covers all the areas of learning. The current theme, 'The aliens are coming', has captured the children's interest well. During the inspection, very young

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Early Years Foundation Stage

children, most of whom attend for the morning only, were observed making models of aliens that they took on a tour of space, visiting 'planets' set out in the play area and taking pictures of them. The adult working with the children effectively developed their ability to speak and count confidently. While much of this activity took place outside, there are not sufficient opportunities for children to develop imaginative play that takes their learning from indoors to outdoors. Children, old enough to stay all day are successfully taught individually and alongside the older children in Years 1 and 2. Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 10 of 15

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

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 Stage

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Views of parents and carers

Almost all parents who completed the questionnaire give the school their full support. Parents are particularly pleased with the way the school is led and managed and their child's enjoyment and experiences at the school. Parents spoken to during the inspection reflected these views. Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 11 of 15

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Ofsted invited all of the registered parents and carers of pupils registered at St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield 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 inspector received 28 completed questionnaires by the end of the on-site inspection. In total, there are 46 pupils registered at the school.

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My child enjoys school 21 75 7 25 0 0 0 0 The school keeps my child safe 16 57 12 43 0 0 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My school informs me about my child's progress 14 50 12 43 1 4 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My child is making enough progress at this school 15 54 11 39 1 4 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The teaching is good at this school 17 61 11 39 0 0 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school helps me to support my child's learning 15 54 13 46 0 0 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school helps my child to have a healthy lifestyle 19 68 8 29 0 0 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) 15 54 11 39 1 4 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school meets my child's particular needs 18 64 9 32 1 4 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school deals effectively with unacceptable behaviour 17 61 10 36 0 0 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school takes account of my suggestions and concerns 15 54 11 39 1 4 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school is led and managed effectively 21 75 7 25 0 0 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

Overall, I am happy with my child's experience at this school 20 71 8 29 0 0 0 0

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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 Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 12 of 15

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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 Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 13 of 15

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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 Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 14 of 15

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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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School Toppesfield, Halstead, CO9 4DS

Thank you for the warm welcome you gave me when I visited your school recently. You are right to be proud of it. I know that you enjoy the new topics that you work on for half a term, and that you really appreciate the thanks you receive from other children when you help them. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing some of you playing the ukulele. I am not surprised that you enjoy coming, and hardly ever miss a day. You go to a good school. Most of you make good progress because you are taught well. Your excellent behaviour and consideration for one another means you can concentrate on your work. The excellent opportunities you have to apply to become monitors, to work together in groups and to take on responsibilities at the local fete are helping you to gain the skills you will need as you grow up. Adults take excellent care of you and keep you safe. Everyone in school wants you all to do as well as you can in every class. I know you will

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School Toppesfield, Halstead, CO9 4DS

help by doing your best. I have asked the teachers to:  make sure that all of you have a very clear idea about what you are doing well and what you need to do to improve  check that the new topics you are working on:  give children in Reception opportunities to think of ways to solve problems and be creative in their play indoors and outdoors  help you to build on the knowledge and skills you learn in different subjects each year and giving you the chance to express your ideas creatively.

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School Toppesfield, Halstead, CO9 4DS

Katherine Beck Lead inspector Inspection report: St Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Toppesfield, 4–5 November 2010 15 of 15

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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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