St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington

St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington Inspection report

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Unique Reference Number 105822 Local Authority Rochdale Inspection number 355848 Inspection dates 22–23 June 2011 Reporting inspector Brian Holmes

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

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Type of school Primary School category Voluntary aided Age range of pupils 4–11 Gender of pupils Mixed Number of pupils on the school roll 216 Appropriate authority The governing body Chair Mr John Dalziel Headteacher Mrs Jill Brenchley Date of previous school inspection 11 June 2008 School address Boardman Fold Road Alkrington, Middleton Manchester M24 1GD Telephone number 0161 6438393 Fax number 0161 6546504 Email address head@stmichaelscemidd.rochdale.sch.uk

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Age group 4–11 Inspection dates 22–23 June 2011 Inspection number 355848 Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 2011 3 of 14

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by three additional inspectors. They visited 12 lessons and observed seven teachers. Members of the team held meetings with parents and carers, groups of pupils, members of the governing body and staff. They also observed the school's work and looked at its assessment data, evidence of activities and events, information about the curriculum, and monitoring and evaluation documents. Inspectors analysed 113 questionnaires completed by parents and carers, 93 pupils' questionnaires and 13 questionnaires returned by staff. The inspection team reviewed many aspects of the school's work. It looked in detail at a number of key areas.  Whether pupils in Key Stage 1 make sufficient progress to build on the start they make in the Early Years Foundation Stage.  Whether pupils in Key Stage 2, notably boys and those who are more able, make enough progress in writing.  Whether pupils are given sufficient opportunities to use and apply their writing,

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Introduction

mathematical and information and communication technology (ICT) skills in all subjects.  Whether all leaders are fully involved in the school's self-evaluation processes and in measuring the impact of actions taken to bring about improvement.

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Information about the school

St. Michael's is an average sized primary school. The large majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average. There is a play group on site which is not managed by the school and this provision is subject to a separate inspection. The school has achieved Healthy School status, Eco School status, the Activemark and the International School Award. Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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

This is a good school. Good leadership and management at all levels, including governance, have rigorously addressed the weaknesses identified in the last inspection report. As a result, the school has improved significantly in key aspects of its work. Pupils' achievement and enjoyment are good. The success of the school is reflected in the fact that it is increasingly popular and oversubscribed. The improvements in the quality of teaching and curricular provision, which have resulted in more consistent progress by pupils across the school, the high rate of attendance and the accurate evaluation of its own effectiveness demonstrate the school's good capacity to improve further. Pupils enjoy coming to school, which they describe as happy and friendly. They work and play in a harmonious school community where they feel safe because of the good provision that the school makes for their care, guidance and support. Parents and carers

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Main findings

are appreciative of the care that the school provides and of the school's caring, Christian ethos. Pupils' behaviour is good and fosters positive attitudes to learning, reflecting good levels of respect which they show towards adults and each other. This, together with their good basic skills in English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT), shows that they are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Children get off to a good start in the Reception class and make good progress despite the fact that their learning is hampered by limited outdoor provision. Enthusiastic and committed leadership of the Early Years Foundation Stage ensures that the effect of this on children's learning is minimised but their learning outdoors does not match the quality of their learning indoors. In Years 1 to 6 effective teaching enables pupils to make good progress. Assessment has improved markedly since the previous inspection and is used

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Main findings

well to plan learning and to give pupils opportunities to evaluate their own work and that of other pupils. Pupils have a good awareness of their own learning. Improvements to the curriculum have given pupils increased opportunities to use and apply their writing and ICT skills which have led to a significant improvement in attainment in writing, particularly for boys and pupils who are more able. Achievement in mathematics, while good, is not as high because pupils are not given enough opportunities to develop their problem-solving skills and have less frequent opportunities to apply their mathematical skills in all their subjects. Leaders and managers are driving the school forward purposefully. Thorough monitoring and evaluation have enabled the school to identify its key priorities and take effective action to address them.

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What does the school need to do to improve further?

 Improve achievement in mathematics by ensuring that: pupils have more opportunities to develop their problem-solving skills Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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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Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate

pupils have more planned opportunities to apply their mathematical skills in all their subjects.  Improve the quality of provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage by ensuring that the quality of outdoor provision consistently matches children's learning indoors.

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

When they start school, children's skills are broadly in line with those expected for their age but with some weaknesses in reading and writing. Children make good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage. In Years 1 to 6 the progress of all groups of pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, boys and those who are more able, is good because of the effective support that they have received since the last inspection. By the end of Key Stage 1 progress has improved and attainment is now above average. In Key Stage 2 progress is particularly strong in Years 5 and 6, so that by the end of Year 6 attainment is well above average and stronger in English than in mathematics. Pupils' attitudes to learning are positive. They work enthusiastically, as seen in Year 4 when pupils worked collaboratively on a drama activity related to Macbeth to demonstrate their speaking and listening skills. Pupils are keen to apply their learning, as

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

seen in Year 3 when research on the human body was used to produce a presentation using ICT. Pupils' good academic progress is matched by their personal development. Their good behaviour makes a significant contribution to their successful learning. They say that they feel safe, appreciating the worry boxes and the efforts that staff make to listen and to help if the need arises. Pupils make healthy choices for lunch and enjoy sports activities to promote their fitness, for example, the involvement of a professional football club during the inspection. An increasing number of pupils are taking part in the weekly 'walking bus' initiative that is being promoted through the eco committee. Pupils make a good contribution to the life of the school and the community. For example, older pupils act as playground activity leaders for younger pupils. Pupils have been involved in the planning of the development of the school grounds to include a Forest School for younger pupils

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Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

and have worked with local companies to develop an allotment. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good. Spiritual awareness is strong and, through its Christian ethos, the school strongly promotes a respect for self and for other cultures and faiths. Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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?

Teaching is characterised by thorough planning to link subjects together, secure subject knowledge, high expectations and good use of assessment to support learning. Teachers make lessons challenging and interesting for all groups of pupils. As a result, pupils produce good work, as when Year 6 wrote leaflets on Water Aid. Very occasionally, teachers spend too long explaining tasks and, when this occurs, pupils' have too little time to spend on learning independently. The team of teaching assistants provide effective support for pupils with different needs, including the more able as well as those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Assessment is used well to check pupils' understanding and marking makes clear to pupils what they have achieved and sets clear targets for what they need to do next. Pupils have good opportunities to check their own work and that of other pupils, which gives them a clear understanding of their learning

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How effective is the provision?

and how to improve. The curriculum underpins pupils' learning well. The redesign of the curriculum, with a focus on relevance, interest and an enjoyment of learning, stimulates pupils and excites them, particularly boys. Literacy, numeracy and ICT skills are taught across the curriculum with frequent opportunities for pupils to use and apply their literacy and ICT skills in their learning, such as when pupils produced podcasts and advertisements in their work on Victorians. Opportunities to apply numeracy skills are less frequent, although good practice was seen in the World War 2 topic. Opportunities for pupils to develop their Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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

problem-solving skills in mathematics are also less frequent and productive. Themed events, such as Healthy Week, contribute well to pupils' personal development and well- being. There is good enrichment of the curriculum through planned visits and experiences which add to pupils' learning, for example, residential visits and involvement in enterprise learning. Pupils are well cared for and there are warm relationships between adults and pupils. This gives pupils high levels of confidence in the care that they receive. They are clear that if they have any concerns there are adults whom they trust and go to. The school treats pupils as individuals and meets the vast majority of pupils' needs well. Systems for checking attendance are effective and there are good arrangements for the transfer of pupils to other schools.

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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?

Good leadership and management, led well by the headteacher and deputy headteacher, are driving the school forward. The clear vision of senior leaders, including the governing body, and the commitment of staff have led to an improvement in pupils' achievement. Strategies for improvement have been developed consistently, for example, the redesign of the curriculum, the use of assessment and the focus on improving the quality of pupils' learning. Evaluation is thorough, with effective systems, which include subject leaders, for checking pupils' performance and the school's provision. These changes have resulted in clear improvements in attainment in English and in other areas of the school's work such as pupils' ICT skills. The school promotes equality well. It is a harmonious community where pupils from different backgrounds get on well with each other, and they are sensitive to those with disabilities. Gaps between the achievement of different groups, for

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How effective are leadership and management?

example, the attainment of boys compared to girls, have reduced rapidly. The governing body has a good understanding of the school's areas for development. It is fully involved in shaping the direction of the school and offers good support and rigorous challenge for the school's work. Arrangements for safeguarding are good and meet all current requirements. They are supported by clear and effective policies with procedures that are positively reflected in the day-to- day security of pupils. There are good links with parents and carers and good partnerships to develop pupils' learning, particularly through the collaborative work that has taken place with other schools to improve the curriculum and raise attainment in writing. Links with schools in France and Spain have been used well to promote pupils' understanding of community cohesion beyond the immediate Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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

locality of the school, building effectively on the harmonious nature of the school community and its good links with the local community.

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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

The quality of provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage is satisfactory. Despite this, progress is good in all areas of learning from broadly average starting points with weaknesses in reading and writing. Outcomes are at least in line with expectations for most children in reading and writing by the time they enter Year 1 and above average for most children in their personal and social development and number skills. The Early Years Foundation Stage leader and other adults have effectively worked to minimise the limitations of the cramped outdoor provision to provide children with a broad range of experiences, mainly indoors, which enables them to make good progress overall. A recent initiative to develop a Forest School in the school grounds has led to some improvement in the range of children's learning outdoors, but the overall quality of outdoor learning does not match that in the classroom. There is a range of well-planned activities and

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Early Years Foundation Stage

experiences in the classroom, with appropriate use of assessment to plan learning. Children are well cared for and feel safe and secure. As a result, they are happy and settled and demonstrate good behaviour, showing good levels of cooperation when sharing resources. They play well on their own and take responsibility for choosing their own activities. Children demonstrate good knowledge and understanding when talking about their 'bug research' and solving simple number problems. Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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 3

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

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Overall effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

The quality of provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Overall effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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

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Views of parents and carers

The large majority of parents and carers who returned a questionnaire said that they are very happy with their children's experiences at school and feel that their children enjoy school and that the school keeps their children safe. A few parents and carers feel that their children do not make enough progress. Inspectors found that the quality of teaching is good across the school and that the vast majority of pupils make good progress from their entry into the school in the Reception class through to Year 6. Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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 St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington 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 113 completed questionnaires by the end of the on-site inspection. In total, there are 216 pupils registered at the school.

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My child enjoys school 67 59 41 36 5 4 0 0 The school keeps my child safe 75 66 35 31 2 2 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My school informs me about my child's progress 38 34 64 57 9 8 1 1

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

My child is making enough progress at this school 40 35 52 46 14 12 2 2

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The teaching is good at this school 45 40 61 54 3 3 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school helps me to support my child's learning 41 36 65 58 4 4 2 2

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school helps my child to have a healthy lifestyle 41 36 63 56 6 5 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) 42 37 58 51 5 4 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school meets my child's particular needs 46 41 52 46 8 7 2 2

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school deals effectively with unacceptable behaviour 41 36 60 53 10 9 0 0

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school takes account of my suggestions and concerns 35 31 71 63 3 3 3 3

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

The school is led and managed effectively 42 37 63 56 6 5 2 2

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Total % Total % Total % Total %

Overall, I am happy with my child's experience at this school 53 47 52 46 5 4 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 Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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 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. Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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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Manchester, M24 1GD

Thank you for being so polite, welcoming and friendly when we inspected your school recently. We enjoyed our time at St. Michael's, particularly talking to you. We know that you enjoy being there. St. Michael's is a good school with many strengths. You told us that the school is a happy and friendly place. We were impressed by your excellent attendance, your good behaviour and your good understanding of how to stay safe. Teaching is good and you make good progress in your learning to reach standards that are above average by the end of Year 6. You are well cared for and older pupils enjoy their role as playground leaders to look after younger pupils. You like your learning and enjoy the activities that are on offer, in lessons and through the extra activities that are provided. You make a good contribution to the school through the jobs you do, particularly through the work of the school council and

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Manchester, M24 1GD

the eco committee. We have asked the school to improve your learning in mathematics, so you make as much progress as you do in your reading and writing, by giving you more opportunities to develop your problem-solving skills and more opportunities to apply your mathematical skills in all your subjects. For those of you in the Reception class, we are asking the school to improve opportunities for you to learn outdoors. All of you can help by continuing to work hard, behaving well and doing your best to help the school improve further. Very best wishes for the future.

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Manchester, M24 1GD

Brian Holmes Lead Inspector Inspection report: St Michael's Church of England Primary School, Alkrington, 22–23 June 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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