Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School

Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School Inspection report

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Unique Reference Number 133676 Local Authority Warrington Inspection number 360564 Inspection dates 17–18 March 2011 Reporting inspector Barbara Flitcroft

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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 3–11 Gender of pupils Mixed Number of pupils on the school roll 179 Appropriate authority The governing body Chair Mr Alan Litton Headteacher Mrs Vivienne Formby Date of previous school inspection 28 January 2008 School address Dorchester Road Great Sankey, Warrington Cheshire WA5 1XE Telephone number 01925 659307 Fax number 01925 231637 Email address sankeyvalleyst.james@warrington.gov.uk

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Age group 3–11 Inspection dates 17–18 March 2011 Inspection number 360564 Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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 123 4234, 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 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 3 of 14

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by three additional inspectors. The majority of time was spent looking at learning. Sixteen lessons and eight teachers were observed. Time was spent scrutinising school policies, the school improvement plan, minutes of the governors' meetings and other documents, analysing pupils' work, checking information on their current progress and talking to them about it. Meetings were held with parents and carers, groups of pupils, governors and staff. Thirty six parents' and carers' questionnaire returns were considered and also questionnaire returns from staff and pupils. The inspection team reviewed many aspects of the school's work. It looked in detail at a number of key areas.  How well pupils achieve, in particular in reading, writing and mathematics.  The quality of teaching and assessment and the impact these have on pupil progress.  The work of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the impact of this on children's

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Introduction

progress.  How effectively leaders and managers have led improvement since the last inspection.

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Information about the school

This school is smaller than the average primary school and has a higher proportion of girls than boys. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is higher than the national average. A large majority of pupils are from a White British background; the rest belong to a range of different ethnic groups and few speak English as an additional language. More pupils than normal join or leave the school partway through their primary education. The percentage of pupil stability is lower than average. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is almost double the national average; no pupils have a statement of special educational needs. The school has gained a number of awards including International Award, Activemark, Eco School Silver, Artsmark and it has Healthy School Status. There is a children's centre on the school site where private providers organise breakfast

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Information about the school

and after-school care. This did not form part of this inspection but a report on its quality can be found on the Ofsted website Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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

Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary is a good school which has improved considerably since its last inspection. Pupils benefit from stimulating opportunities to enrich their learning such as visits to museums and other places of interest, and residential trips. Learning opportunities are significantly enhanced by a range of outstanding partnerships. Pupils have a good knowledge of how to live a healthy lifestyle and are very actively involved in a range of sports, some provided through the school's excellent partnerships and others through amateur clubs in the local area. Parents and carers are very happy with the school and what it offers their children. One parent said, 'The headteacher and staff are the best we have experienced.' Thanks to the good pastoral care, pupils feel safe at school and able to turn to adults if they have a problem. The behaviour of pupils is outstanding. Throughout the school,

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Main findings

pupils have a clear understanding of right and wrong, and show a high level of enthusiasm about taking on the many opportunities for responsibility. Key Stage 2 'Olympic Ambassadors', for example, were preparing to speak about 2012 in front of the rest of the school in assembly. Eco monitors speak about their roles enthusiastically. Pupils get on exceptionally well with one another and are supportive of others. Pupils say they enjoy coming to school; their attendance is in line with the national average. There has been an improving picture of progress since the last inspection and pupils now achieve well at all key stages. Overall, pupils reach average standards in English and mathematics by the time they leave the school. However, pupils' attainment and rate of progress in mathematics are slowed by those pupils who have difficulty recalling number facts quickly enough, which affects their ability to solve problems. Also, in mathematics,

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Main findings

the activities used at the start of some lessons do not link to or aid the main part of the lesson. The headteacher and senior staff give the school good direction. They have introduced very effective systems for target-setting and school self-evaluation in response to the recommendations of the last inspection. As a result leaders and managers at all levels are now thoroughly involved in monitoring teaching and tracking progress. The governing body is now confident about challenging the school and holding it to account. Good work has been done to improve the quality of teaching and the proportion of good teaching has greatly increased. Senior leaders and the governing body have a good understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses. Development planning focuses on the most important priorities for the future and leads to effective action. Consequently, the school has a good capacity for further continuous improvement.

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Main findings

Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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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What does the school need to do to improve further?

 Improve attainment in mathematics by:  - giving pupils greater opportunities to learn and rapidly recall number facts  - encouraging pupils to use a wider range of mental strategies to solve problems  - linking the mental and oral starting activities, where appropriate, to the main activity in mathematics lessons.

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

Pupils contribute to the good progress that they make in lessons by displaying positive, enthusiastic attitudes to work. The enjoyment seen in lessons and work in pupils' books show that pupils are working comfortably within the challenging targets set for them by the school. All groups of pupils achieve well from their generally below average starting points. Although significantly good progress is made in mathematics from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2, there is still room for them to make even faster progress. The school has accurately identified that attainment and progress in writing have been weaker than in reading and mathematics, particularly for some boys. Leaders have begun to address this successfully with a number of actions, including finely-tailored teaching of writing skills and opportunities for pupils to write across the curriculum. Those with special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress because of the school's inclusive

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

practice, and the work which is planned in small steps to help them grow in confidence and succeed. Pupils from minority-ethnic backgrounds and those who speak English as an additional language make good progress in line with others. Former differences in the attainment of boys and girls have been addressed effectively by the school. In the school's safe, 'family' environment, pupils develop their personal and social skills well. They are invariably sensitive and supportive towards each other. They are particularly helpful to those who experience difficulties, ensuring that they feel fully included in all aspects of school life. Pupils exercise efficiently their many responsibilities, such as the good work of the school council and of 'buddies'. They participate in school activities with great enthusiasm and are making a positive contribution to their local community. Pupils have a good understanding of what is meant by eating healthily; they

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

love their 'Healthy Hero' sessions and actively participate in physical activities, confirming the reasons for their achievement of awards. Pupils have a thorough grounding in basic skills and information and communication technology. Pupils' business enterprise activities and their good social development ensure that they are well prepared for the next stages of education, and eventually for working life. Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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 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?

Teachers make lessons interesting and exciting. They use a variety of information and communication technology to bring learning alive. For example, younger pupils writing a setting for a story in which they had to describe the trees in a forest used some amazing vocabulary, prompted by a slide presentation with appropriate music made by older pupils in the school. Effective questioning challenges pupils' thinking to help them accelerate their learning. Skilled and caring teaching assistants usually make a significant contribution to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to gain confidence and success in their learning. However, they are not always used to best effect, for example, in the teaching of the daily phonics sessions for younger children. The planning and execution of mathematics lessons do not always provide pupils with enough opportunities and strategies to hone their skills of mental recall and problem-solving. The

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How effective is the provision?

regular celebration of pupils' efforts and successes helps to ensure they are well motivated and willing to do their best. Day-to-day assessments of pupils' progress and attainment are accurate. Pupils know their targets and many older ones have a clear view of how to improve their work. There are good examples of the way teachers' marking guides pupils' learning, but pupils do not have the opportunity in lessons to respond to this. The curriculum and excellent range of additional activities make an effective contribution to pupils' learning. The after-school clubs are well attended and these combined with the Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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

many visits and visitors enhance learning opportunities for pupils. The school aims to offer a more creative curriculum for pupils to use their skills across different subjects. The impact of a writing initiative has led to better attainment in that area, particularly for boys. The school recognises the need to raise aspirations for learners and has forged links with the local collegiate and university to inspire pupils about their future careers. Pupils are confident they can turn to an adult for guidance and support. Staff know the children and their needs very well. The potentially vulnerable receive caring and thoughtful support as individuals, in pairs and in small nurture groups.

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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?

The leadership team and staff make a cohesive unit who work tirelessly to improve provision and outcomes for pupils. The school and its governing body set measured but challenging attainment targets derived from accurate tracking of pupils' progress. All teaching staff are involved in identifying strengths and weaknesses in pupils' performances and in targeting underachievement. Improvement planning is closely linked to high-quality professional development of staff to help them to overcome any weaknesses in their work. The school promotes equality of opportunity successfully in ensuring that all groups of pupils make good progress and attain equally well, for example, by the way in which it has improved boys' attainment in writing. The governing body is knowledgeable about the school. Its members have a good understanding of its strengths and are fully involved in evaluating the quality of provision

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How effective are leadership and management?

and planning for improvements. They are meticulous in ensuring that arrangements to safeguard pupils are in place. The school ensures that all adults are suitable to work with children, and that child protection arrangements and assessments to minimise any form of risk are fully in place and work smoothly. The governors and the leadership team are active in promoting community cohesion locally and globally. The school's links with parents and carers are very effective and much effort is made to involve them in their children's learning. Leaders have already planned opportunities for the further involvement of parents and carers. The school liaises closely with the children's centre staff in order to offer pertinent support and therefore get the best outcomes possible for pupils and their families. Other partnerships such as those with the local cluster of schools bring a wealth of benefits for pupils.

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How effective are leadership and management?

Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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

There is a happy, purposeful atmosphere in the attractive learning areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children enjoy being in school and are well motivated to learn. They show good levels of confidence in their relationships with adults. Children are very involved in their learning and are encouraged to extend their speaking and listening skills at every opportunity. The activities, both inside and outdoors, are stimulating, and work on display enhances learning, often linked to literacy and number activities. When starting the Nursery, many children show levels of development that are below those expected for their age, with a significant minority well below those levels. They make up ground quickly as a result of good teaching. When they start in Year 1, many children's skills are now close to the standards expected of them due to the good progress they have made. The balance between adult-directed work and work chosen by children is good.

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Early Years Foundation Stage

Assessment procedures are in place to provide effectively for the individual learning needs of each child. Good leadership and management ensure adults are well trained and that the whole unit provides high-quality care and support for children. Induction procedures are good. Parents and carers speak highly of the level of communication with staff and the school has identified the need to encourage more of them to assist with their children's learning. Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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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Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, 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

Parents and carers spoken with and the few who returned the questionnaire are overwhelmingly supportive of the school. They appreciate the care and concern it gives their children. Many make a significant contribution to the partnership of helping to develop their children's learning. The vast majority believe the leadership and management of the school are good and have a positive impact on pupils' progress and the effective running of the school. Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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 Sankey Valley St James Church of England 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.

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The inspection team received 36 completed questionnaires by the end of the on-site inspection. In total, there are 179 pupils registered at the school.

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My child enjoys school 22 61 13 36 1 3 0 0 The school keeps my child safe 21 58 14 39 1 3 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My school informs me about my child's progress 23 64 12 33 1 3 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My child is making enough progress at this school 21 58 14 39 1 3 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The teaching is good at this school 22 61 13 36 0 0 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school helps me to support my child's learning 20 56 12 33 3 8 1 3

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school helps my child to have a healthy lifestyle 17 47 15 42 1 3 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) 14 39 18 50 3 8 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school meets my child's particular needs 16 44 18 50 1 3 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school deals effectively with unacceptable behaviour 17 47 15 42 3 8 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school takes account of my suggestions and concerns 15 42 14 39 5 14 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school is led and managed effectively 15 42 15 42 3 8 1 3

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

Overall, I am happy with my child's experience at this school 18 50 14 39 1 3 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: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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 August 2010 and are consistent with the latest published official statistics about maintained school inspec tion outcomes (see www.ofsted.gov.uk ). The sample of schools inspected during 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. Sixth form figures reflect the judgements made for the overall effectiveness of the sixth form in secondary schools, special schools and pupil referral units. Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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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Warrington, WA5 1XE

Thank you for making the team feel so very welcome and for answering all our questions when we visited recently to inspect your school. Particular thanks to those who filled in responses to the questionnaire. We concluded that Sankey Valley St James is a good school in which you receive lots of help from your teachers and teaching assistants to enable you to do well. We think that your behaviour, politeness and manners are excellent. We were impressed to learn that you and the vast majority of your parents and carers are very happy with the quality of education you receive and that you enjoy all the additional activities and educational visits that the school provides. It is good to know that you feel safe in school. Your understanding of how to stay healthy is very impressive, as is the care and guidance that you receive. Your superb behaviour is helping you to make positive gains in your learning and creates a very happy school community where you all care so

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Warrington, WA5 1XE

well for each other. The interest you show in lessons helps you take full advantage of the good teaching you receive and therefore make good progress. We were also impressed by your knowledge of people who come from other parts of the world and whose culture is different from your own. We know that your school leaders and governors are always striving to make the school even better. With this in mind, we are asking them to make some improvements in the teaching of mathematics. You can help with these improvements by continuing to work hard and by practising your number facts so that you can say the answer straight away without having to work it out on your fingers. The inspection team wishes you all the very best for the future.

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Warrington, WA5 1XE

Barbara Flitcroft Lead inspector Inspection report: Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School, 17–18 March 2011 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 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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