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Schools & FE · School inspection (2012 framework)

High Close School

Inspected 15 Jun 2011 · published 6 Jul 2011 · URN 110181

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Summary

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  • Inspection date verified

    15 Jun 2011

  • Postcode verified

    RG40 1TT

  • Name on report verified

    High Close School

  • URN verified

    110181

Page 1 of 16
Page 1 of the report

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FindingsAbout the inspectionWhat needs to improveLeadership positive critical
  • Findings1872w+32
  • Leadership1333w+70
  • What needs to improve784w+46

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Concerns

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Pages
16
Words of findings
3,983
longer than usual (typical 3042)
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Hard
Flesch 46, typical 45
Average sentence
19 words
Next steps
8
typical 2
Hedged sentences
6%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 38%Leadership 27%What needs to improve 16%About the inspection 20%

Full report text

Unique Reference Number 110181 Local Authority Wokingham Inspection number 356693 Inspection dates 14–15 June 2011 Reporting inspector Bob Pugh

p.1

This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. The inspection of social care was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

p.1

Type of school Special School category Non-maintained Age range of pupils 7–16 Gender of pupils Mixed Number of pupils on the school roll 67 Appropriate authority The governing body Chair Hugh Ashton-Moore Headteacher Zoe Lattimer Date of previous school inspection 21 May 2008 School address Wiltshire Road Wokingham RG40 1TT Telephone number 01189 785767 Fax number 01189 894220 Email address high.close@barnardos.org.uk

p.1

Age group 7–16 Inspection dates 14–15 June 2011 Inspection number 356693 Boarding provision Social care Unique Reference Number SC011327 Social care inspector Maire Atherton

p.1

Age group 7–16 Inspection dates 14–15 June 2011 Inspection number 356693 achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.2

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 .

p.3

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

p.3

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by two additional inspectors and one Social Care inspector. They observed 10 lessons taught by 10 teachers. Meetings were held with parents, carers, groups of pupils, a member of the governing body and staff. Inspectors observed the school's work, met pupils and looked at their work files and books with them, and viewed displays and art work. Inspectors scrutinised the 19 questionnaires received from parents and carers, as well as those from 46 staff and 36 pupils. The inspection team reviewed many aspects of the school's work. It looked in detail at a number of key areas.  How the school has improved since the last inspection.  How well teachers' planning takes account of the needs of all pupils and how they help all pupils to make good or better progress by motivating and challenging all groups of pupils.  The effectiveness of school leaders in using information gained from monitoring the

p.4

Introduction

work of the school to drive up standards.  Whether the curriculum prepares pupils for adult life and future economic well-being.  The way the school's partnerships are helping pupils to make progress and ensure their well-being.

p.4

Information about the school

High Close School is part of Barnardo's childcare charity family of schools. It is a part- residential special school which offers weekly or fortnightly boarding for approximately 38 pupils as well as day provision for about 37 pupils. Pupils have a wide range of special educational needs and/or disabilities including social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autistic spectrum condition, dyslexia and Tourette's Syndrome. Pupils come from 16 local authorities; some day pupils have lengthy journeys to and from school each day. The overwhelming majority of pupils are of White British heritage and, for all pupils, English is their first language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is lower than nationally. The school has gained the International Schools Award and particularly cherishes its links with a community in Goa. A new Principal was appointed in September 2010.

p.4

Information about the school

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

p.5

Main findings

High Close School provides a satisfactory education for its pupils. It is a welcoming community with some good and outstanding features; for example, the care, support and guidance offered to pupils in all areas of the school are a particular strength. Staff work diligently to ensure that every member of the school community feels safe, valued and respected. Leaders are ambitious for their pupils and demonstrate an increasingly clear commitment to improving pupils' achievements and to providing rich learning experiences. Staff have organised regular overseas visits for older pupils so that pupils can gain an understanding of how their fund-raising activities are having a positive effect on children's lives in another country. Pupils take part in expeditions to other areas in England and these have helped them gain a very good understanding of life for people in other communities. The new Principal has made a good start to improving the effectiveness of the school's

p.5

Main findings

self-evaluation procedures. School leaders have introduced systems which will provide them, as well as young people and their families, with useful information about how well pupils are doing. However, this analysis of progress is in its infancy. Teaching is satisfactory, though the information which assessment exercises have produced is not yet used productively by all teachers to help with planning of lessons. Teachers are not consistently clear about pupils' progress and pupils are not always sure about what they need to do to make good progress in lessons. The school's provision for work-related learning is particularly good because it is highly personalised to pupils' needs, and so are the school's care planning and behaviour management programmes. This level of planning, however, is not seen in all curriculum areas; in some subjects, insufficient work has been undertaken to ensure that pupils'

p.5

Main findings

specific needs are adequately met. The last inspection report challenged the school to ensure that all pupils achieve of their best in English, particularly writing. There is evidence that pupils are making at least satisfactory progress in writing, with some making good progress. Similar satisfactory rates of progress are seen in mathematics. Opportunities for problem solving, individual research and investigation by pupils are not as developed due to an over reliance in lessons on learning from worksheets. Pupils enjoy coming to school and say that their views are listened to when they bring their ideas to the school council. Pupils say that they feel safe at all times, well cared for and supported in classrooms and in living areas. Pupils talk about their work and what they have achieved with pride. One pupil told an inspector, 'When I came here, I was a naughty boy, but now they have helped the good boy inside me to come out.' Pupils'

p.5

Main findings

behaviour in class and in other areas of the school campus is usually very good. Staff deal effectively with incidents when they occur and pupils show that they understand why actions need to be taken. Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.5

Main findings

Parents and carers are very pleased with their child's experiences at the school. A typical comment was, 'My child is so safe and secure in the school environment; he is now open to learning and progressing at a fast rate.' The school works extremely well with its many partners, including careers advisers and local further education colleges, to ensure that high-quality systems of support are in place for its pupils and their families. This is especially true at very sensitive times such as when a pupil is admitted to the school or when a young person is ready to leave and move on to other settings. Given the commitment of school leaders and managers to improve pupils' achievements and the developments in pupils' learning experiences, there is a satisfactory capacity for further and sustained improvement.

p.6

What does the school need to do to improve further?

 Improve the quality of teaching and learning so that at least 80% is judged to be good or better by the summer term of 2012 by: raising all teachers' expectations of what pupils are capable of ensuring that assessment is used consistently to plan lessons at the appropriate level for pupils' abilities and help pupils to understand what they need to do to make better progress providing more opportunities for pupils to develop their problem-solving, independent research and investigational skills.  Improve the rigour of self-evaluation, so that school leaders have accurate information about pupils' learning and progress so that effective measures can be taken to drive up standards.  Move forward with planning which ensures that the school's curriculum motivates and inspires, and is carefully adapted and specifically designed to provide appropriate challenge for all pupils.

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

When they join the school, many pupils have had poor experiences of education and schools. Nevertheless, when they get to Year 11, a majority of pupils gain passes in GCSE subjects while others receive accreditation in vocational and life skills learning programmes. Pupils know who to talk to if they have worries or concerns. They are polite and respectful. When talking about their work and experiences, pupils were confident and fluent, for example, describing their enjoyment of attending 'taster' courses at a local college. Towards the end of their time at school, they learn good work-related skills, culminating in extended work experience periods in Year 11. This provides them with good opportunities for thinking about their futures. Attendance is broadly average. Pupils have a good understanding of healthy lifestyles, including nutrition and substance abuse. They regularly enjoy physical exercise and understand the dangers of smoking and

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

drug abuse. They know how to stay safe when using the internet. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. They participate in assemblies with enthusiasm and they enjoy excellent links with orchestras and choirs. Pupils make a strong contribution to the wider community. Locally, they carry out voluntary work in homes for older people and act as trainee guide dog walkers. They learn Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

about overseas communities and some pupils have the opportunity to visit a school and village in another country. This helps to provide them with knowledge and understanding of their own and the wider community, and these experiences enable many pupils to develop into confident young people.

p.7

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

These are the grades for pupils' outcomes

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

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

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

Taking into account: Pupils' attainment¹ *

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

The quality of pupils' learning and their progress 3

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

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

p.7

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

The extent to which pupils adopt healthy lifestyles 2

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

The extent to which pupils contribute to the school and wider community 1

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

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

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

Taking into account: Pupils' attendance¹

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

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

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

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

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 3

is low * In some special schools inspectors do not make a judgement about attainment in relation to expectations of the pupils' age.

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How effective is the provision?

Teachers plan lessons in detail but sometimes insufficient attention is paid to the particular learning needs of individual pupils. In some lessons, more-able pupils are insufficiently challenged; teachers and their assistants too readily provide answers rather than pointing pupils in the direction of further investigation. In the best lessons, teachers ensure learning outcomes are very clear, maintain a lively pace and have good subject knowledge. In these lessons, teachers use questions well to move pupils' understanding forward. In less effective lessons, pupils spend too much time doing activities without being clear about what they are being asked to achieve. On occasion, the role of teaching assistants is too focused on keeping pupils on task, rather than challenging and helping them to become independent. Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.7

How effective is the provision?

Provision for work-related learning is good. For example, one pupil who followed a horticultural course gained additional skills by being encouraged to participate actively in the management of the school grounds. Overall, the curriculum lacks detailed planning. School leaders have recognised this and have plans for more focused opportunities for literacy and numeracy learning in all subjects. For example, inspectors observed one English lesson taught in the Food Technology room, where the production of a simple meal was used to teach about imperatives and instruction words. Many pupils achieve well in those subjects where planning is precise and focused on developing individuals' skills and understanding. Some particularly good art GCSE work was observed, providing evidence that pupils were challenged, inspired and motivated by the subject. The commitment of staff to ensuring the well-being and sustaining the learning of all

p.8

How effective is the provision?

pupils is a significant strength. Staff know their pupils as individuals, and while this knowledge has not always informed lesson planning, their hard work to support pupils who face very challenging circumstances is deeply embedded.

p.8

How effective is the provision?

These are the grades for the quality of provision

p.8

How effective is the provision?

Taking into account: The use of assessment to support learning

p.8

How effective is the provision?

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

p.8

How effective is the provision?

The effectiveness of care, guidance and support 1

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How effective are leadership and management?

Senior leaders have recognised that a new approach is needed if they are to gain detailed and robust information about pupils' progress and the quality of teaching and learning. Their ambition and drive for improvement has led to new systems for monitoring the work of the school. These are beginning to provide them with better knowledge of strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to set out focused targets for improvement in the school development plan. They have employed educational consultants to build on their understanding of how well the school is doing and have worked sensitively yet rigorously to ensure that key staff know what needs to be done to improve the learning of all pupils. Members of the governing body are well organised, supportive and understand the challenges the school faces. They are directly involved in challenging and supporting the school so that weaknesses can be tackled and the necessary improvements put in place. It

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

is an inclusive school and systems to promote equality of opportunity and tackle discrimination within school are satisfactory and improving. Parents and carers are very well informed about all aspects of their children's achievements. Regular telephone calls, letters home and home visits ensure that they have accurate information about their children's experiences at school, and that their views can be taken into account in individual planning. Staff are highly committed to working in partnership; and the extremely good links between classroom and care staff result in high-quality information about individuals' needs and strengths. There is some Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

improvement where the school has targeted its actions, for example, the very few exclusions highlight the positive trend in behaviour management in recent terms. The school has excellent systems in place for making sure pupils are safe. The staff's and governors' awareness of safeguarding issues is comprehensive and working arrangements with other agencies are exemplary. The school promotes community cohesion very well, by means of its active engagement in the local community, and is recognised by its International award. It has a clear understanding of how existing work can be built upon to strengthen pupils' knowledge of other communities. There are no major shortcomings evident in the use or management of resources and the school provides satisfactory value for money.

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

These are the grades for leadership and management

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

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

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

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

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

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

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of the school's engagement with parents and carers 1

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of partnerships in promoting learning and well-being 1

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

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

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of safeguarding procedures 1

p.9

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness with which the school promotes community cohesion 1

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How effective are leadership and management?

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

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Boarding provision

The quality of the boarding provision is outstanding. The school continues to exceed the key national minimum standards for residential special schools. Two previous recommendations have been addressed, lunchtime dining is a calmer experience for pupils and some showers have been improved as part of a rolling programme. The health of young people is exceptionally well promoted. Staff are very knowledgeable about the health needs of young people, some of which are highly complex, and these are detailed in the comprehensive written individual health care plans. Staff are confident in administering medication; this is underpinned by regular training and clear policies and procedures. Boarders are actively encouraged to live healthy lifestyles through interesting and varied physical activities, a balanced diet and support with personal hygiene and health education. Boarders enjoy the food provided, say that they can contribute to the

p.9

Boarding provision

menus and also enjoy shopping for and preparing food. Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.9

Boarding provision

All staff have a thorough understanding of the range of safeguarding issues, updated by annual training, and effectively implement the comprehensive policy and guidance in place. The head of care is the designated person for safeguarding. He has a good working relationship with the local authority and is a member of the school’s safeguarding forum. Senior staff have attended training on safer recruitment practices and this is reflected in the robust recruitment procedure adopted by the school. A significant strength of the school is the thorough and positive approach to behaviour management, using an accredited framework which includes managing challenging behaviour with the main emphasis on diversion techniques. The school has in-house trainers who continually look to improve practice. They have established weekly opportunities for staff development and contributed to the framework. Boarders and staff

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Boarding provision

work together to develop individual behaviour management plans, with clear targets set. Staff are consistent in working to the plan, rewarding positive behaviour and applying appropriate consequences for misbehaviour. Staff have a good understanding of the complex reasons for the behaviour difficulties displayed. Boarders’ complaints are listened to and receive an appropriate response. Boarders are confident that any bullying is dealt with promptly and constructively. Health and safety is taken very seriously and is underpinned by robust policies, procedures and risk assessments. Safety matters are reinforced with boarders, through fire drills for example. As a consequence of all these factors, boarders say that they feel safe. Residential staff are creative in their approach to provide boarders with a wide range of opportunities that support their enjoyment and achievement. This is achieved by use of

p.10

Boarding provision

facilities on site, local community leisure facilities, such as the dry ski slope, and in the wider community through trips abroad, for example the annual trip to Goa. The residential provision supports the education of boarders by having daily handovers with teaching staff, promoting homework, learning through activities and developing life skills and independence. Boarders receive outstanding individual support from the residential staff and benefit from a key work system where a designated member of staff takes responsibility for coordinating information and leading individual work with the boarder. A boarder described a key worker as 'awesome'. Wider support comes from the school staff, the field social work team, therapists, the senior leadership team and independent visitors. A parent commented, 'We all work together to promote my son's welfare.’ Staff are innovative in the ways they enable boarders to make a significant contribution to

p.10

Boarding provision

decision making, both in their day-to-day plans and in the way boarding is run. As a result, boarders feel their opinions are heard, acted on and valued. A careful and thorough admission process includes an overnight stay as part of the information-gathering process and a probationary period to ensure that the placement is right. Care, teaching and fieldwork staff coordinate their efforts to prepare young people for moving on from the school. Boarding accommodation is of an excellent standard and provides boarders with a comfortable, warm and homely environment. All boarders have single bedrooms, furnished appropriately. There is little damage and any that occurs is repaired promptly. Strong leadership is provided by the head of care and the unit managers to the stable, highly committed, experienced and enthusiastic staff team in post. All regularly reflect on their practice with a view to improving outcomes for boarders. Staff benefit from regular

p.10

Boarding provision

training opportunities, both in-house and external, which they implement in practice. The Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.10

Boarding provision

whole staff team are mutually supportive and the formal systems such as supervision, team meetings and handovers are used to good effect. There are robust monitoring systems in place including reports written by independent visitors.

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National Minimum Standards (NMS) to be met to improve social care

All of the national minimum standards have been met.

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National Minimum Standards (NMS) to be met to improve social care

These are the grades for the boarding provision

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National Minimum Standards (NMS) to be met to improve social care

The effectiveness of the boarding provision 1

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Views of parents and carers

Almost all of the 19 sets of parents and carers who completed questionnaires were very supportive of the school, though a very few stated that their children did not enjoy school. A number commented very positively on the school's efforts to reassure new pupils by means of good induction procedures. The caring attitude of staff was also remarked on, as was the school's safe and secure environment. Parents and carers who asked to see the inspectors were enthusiastic about all aspects of the school's provision and the positive effect that the school had on their child's progress. They were less clear about how parents and carers are consulted about the general direction of the school. Inspectors agreed with the positive views of the majority of parents and carers. During this inspection, little evidence was observed of pupils not enjoying school, either in lessons, the residential units or in meetings and discussions with groups of pupils.

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Ofsted invited all the registered parents and carers of pupils registered at High Close 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.

p.12

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The inspection team received 19 completed questionnaires by the end of the on-site inspection. In total, there are 67 pupils registered at the school.

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Statements Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Total % Total % Total % Total % My child enjoys school 8 42 8 42 3 16 0 0 The school keeps my child safe 12 63 6 32 0 0 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

My school informs me about my child's progress 14 74 5 26 0 0 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

My child is making enough progress at this school 9 47 9 47 1 5 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The teaching is good at this school 12 63 6 32 1 5 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school helps me to support my child's learning 11 58 7 37 1 5 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school helps my child to have a healthy lifestyle 12 63 7 37 0 0 0 0

p.12

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school makes sure that my child is well prepared for the future (for example changing year group, changing school, and for children who are finishing school, entering further or higher education, or entering employment) 10 53 8 42 0 0 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school meets my child's particular needs 11 58 7 37 1 5 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school deals effectively with unacceptable behaviour 13 68 5 26 1 5 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school takes account of my suggestions and concerns 12 63 7 37 0 0 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school is led and managed effectively 11 58 7 37 1 5 0 0

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Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Overall, I am happy with my child's experience at this school 13 68 5 26 1 5 0 0

p.12

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

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

p.12

Grade Judgement Description

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

p.13

Grade Judgement Description

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

p.13

Grade Judgement Description

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

p.13

Grade Judgement Description

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

p.13

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 2010 to 31 December 2010 and are consistent with the latest published official statistics about maintained school inspection outcomes (see www.ofsted.gov.uk ). The sample of schools inspected during 2010/11 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.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.14

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.14

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.14

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.14

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.14

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.14

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.14

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.14

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

main findings from the inspection of their school.

p.15

Inspection of High Close School, Wokingham RG40 1TT

Thank you for the welcome you gave us when we visited your school recently. You behaved very well and were polite and helpful to us. A special thank you to those of you who met us to share your ideas about the school. It was especially helpful to be able to go through your work files with you and to listen to your views on how well you are doing. We found that your school is satisfactory overall, which means that it does some things well but there are areas that can be improved. We think that your school cares for you very well and gives you high-quality guidance and support. Your behaviour is very good and you told us that you enjoy school and feel safe. This helps you to learn in lessons. Your families agree that the school provides you with interesting lessons and activities. To make the school even better and to improve your progress, we have asked your school to do the following things:  Ensure that all teaching is of the very highest quality and that your work is assessed

p.15

Inspection of High Close School, Wokingham RG40 1TT

well so that you know how well you are doing.  Make sure that what you learn is really interesting and designed to meet everyone's specific needs.  Ensure that your teachers and key workers have very accurate information about how you are doing so that they can plan well to drive up standards. All of you can help by working hard in lessons and by talking to teachers about what it is you need to learn next so that you can continue to make progress. I wish you all the very best for the future.

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Inspection of High Close School, Wokingham RG40 1TT

Bob Pugh Lead inspector out in the guidance 'Complaining about inspections', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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