Skip to content

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Schools & FE · School inspection (2012 framework)

Grimsdyke School

Inspected 5 Oct 2011 · published 1 Nov 2011 · URN 102187

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Original PDF ↗

Summary

Outstanding

What we read, and from where

Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.

  • Inspection date verified

    5 Oct 2011

  • Overall effectivenesssingle source

    Outstanding

  • Name on report verified

    Grimsdyke School

  • URN verified

    102187

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.

Grade profile

Hollow rings show the previous inspection, 2007.

  • OverallOutstanding

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+72Very positivemore positive than 5% of reports of this type graded Outstanding
OutstandingGoodSatisfactory

Reads more critically than most reports of this type graded Outstanding.

Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.

Praiseoutstandinggood progressextremelyexcellenteffectivelyvery wellenjoyhigh expectations
Criticisminadequateweaknessesunacceptableat riskpoorseriouslyconcernsmissed

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsAbout the inspectionWhat needs to improveLeadership positive critical
  • Findings2216w+80
  • Leadership1614w+56
  • What needs to improve57w+60

Strengths

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Concerns

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Next steps

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

What the report dwells on

Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.

Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
15
Words of findings
3,882
longer than usual (typical 2928)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 44, typical 44
Average sentence
22 words
Next steps
1
typical 1
Hedged sentences
5%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 45%Leadership 33%What needs to improve 1%About the inspection 21%

Full report text

Age group 4–11 Inspection date(s) 4–5 October 2011 Inspection number 376679 Grimsdyke School Inspection report

p.1

Unique Reference Number 102187 Local Authority Harrow Inspection number 376679 Inspection dates 4–5 October 2011 Reporting inspector Graham Lee

p.1

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

p.1

Type of school Primary School category Community Age range of pupils 4–11 Gender of pupils Mixed Number of pupils on the school roll 417 Appropriate authority The governing body Chair David Poole Headteacher Gwenda Caroli Date of previous school inspection 23 January 2007 School address Sylvia Avenue Hatch End Pinner HA5 4QE Telephone number 020 8428 1324 Fax number 020 8420 1623 Email address office@grimsdyke.harrow.sch.uk 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

p.1

after children, safeguarding and child protection. 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 . 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 information in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including surve y reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

p.2

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.2

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by four additional inspectors. Inspectors observed 26 lessons or parts of lessons taught by 27 teachers. Meetings were held with pupils, members of the governing body and various members of staff. They observed the school’s work, and looked at school documentation including the school development plan, policies and procedures in relation to the safeguarding of pupils and information about their attainment and progress. Inspectors also considered the views of staff, pupils and 220 parents and carers expressed in their responses to questionnaires.

p.3

Introduction

The inspection team reviewed many aspects of the school’s work. It looked in detail at a number of key areas.

p.3

Introduction

 The reason for the dip in attainment and progress in writing in 2011 and whether pupils are making good progress in this area.  The extent to which all groups of pupils from different backgrounds and with different needs are achieving equally well.  The extent to which attendance has improved and whether the improvement is likely to be maintained.

p.3

Information about the school

Grimsdyke is larger than most schools of its kind. As a result of reorganisation in Harrow, it became a primary school in September 2010 and changed its name. About a third of pupils are of White British origin, a further third of Indian heritage and the remainder from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. A significant minority of pupils speak English as an additional language but few are at the early stages of learning the language. Few pupils are eligible for free school meals and the proportion with special educational needs and/or disabilities is much lower than average. Most of these have moderate learning difficulties and/or speech and communication problems. The school has gained Healthy Schools and Artsmark Gold status. The school runs a breakfast club. An after-school club is run by a private provider and is subject to a separate inspection. Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate

p.3

Information about the school

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

p.4

Main findings

Grimsdyke is an outstanding school. Pupils are proud of their school and most parents and carers hold it in high regard. One commented, ‘We have been very pleased with Grimsdyke School and how the teachers encourage and motivate our children to learn.’ This was typical of the views of others. Good at its last inspection, the school has consolidated and built on its many strengths. The headteacher has led the drive for further improvement and the governing body and leaders at all levels have high aspirations for the school which is reflected in its everyday life. Thorough self-evaluation enables them to have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and to tackle weaknesses successfully. Issues from the last inspection have been addressed effectively and pupils achieve outstandingly well. Consequently, the school has an outstanding capacity to maintain and build even further on its improvements.

p.4

Main findings

Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. The school is an extremely harmonious community with pupils from a wide range of backgrounds getting on very well together. Pupils are unfailingly friendly and polite and behave extremely well. They feel very safe in school and have great confidence in the adults around them. Walking down the corridor with the lead inspector, one younger pupil, after holding the door open, commented ‘I love this school because you feel very safe’. This was a sentiment expressed by all the pupils spoken to by inspectors. It is a reflection of the excellent levels of care, guidance and support provided for them and the considerable lengths that are taken to ensure they are safe and protected. Pupils really enjoy their education largely because of a rich and vibrant curriculum which provides them with memorable experiences, for example in music and sport.

p.4

Main findings

The latter helps pupils to adopt healthy lifestyles extremely well, and is indicative of the excellent partnerships which considerably enhance the school’s work. This commitment to enrichment is reflected in the school’s national awards.

p.4

Main findings

Pupils’ attainment in English and mathematics at the end of Year 6 is high. Together with their very positive attitudes to learning, good skills in information and communication technology (ICT) and above average attendance, this ensures that they are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education and the world beyond. Children get off to a good start in the lively and stimulating Early Years Foundation Stage. Thereafter, good teaching enables all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those from a wide variety of backgrounds, to make consistently good progress. Teachers have high expectations of their pupils and generally plan well to meet their wide-ranging needs. Occasionally, they talk for too long, especially at the beginning of lessons, and do not 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.4

Main findings

give pupils sufficient opportunities to discuss their ideas and to be fully engaged in their learning.

p.5

Main findings

Pupils’ good progress is also supported very well by effective systems to track their progress. This enables school leaders to identify any potential underachievement at an early stage and put support in place to enable those at risk to catch up. The quality of teaching is monitored rigorously through a good range of strategies and there is a successful, shared commitment to improve provision and outcomes for pupils. The curriculum teams, for example, are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and support the headteacher and senior leaders very effectively to embed the school’s ambition and drive improvements. The governing body supports and challenges leaders unflinchingly. In consequence, the school is very effective in achieving its mission of ‘learning and achieving together’. By way of illustration, one parent commented, ‘We are repeatedly complimented on how well our children think, read and speak when we visit relatives and friends.’

p.5

What does the school need to do to improve further?

 Improve the quality of teaching so that at least 50% of lessons are outstanding by December 2012 through:  consistently providing pupils with sufficient opportunities to discuss their ideas and to be active participants in their learning  ensuring that whole-class introductions are not too long and meet the full range of needs in the class.

p.5

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 1

When they join the school children’s skills and understanding are wide ranging but often above expectations for their age. They quickly become enthusiastic learners and enjoy the many different facets of their work as they move through the school. They cooperate and collaborate very well in pairs and groups and strive to do their best. They respond well to their teachers’ questions often providing thoughtful, articulate answers. Pupils particularly enjoy opportunities to be actively engaged in their learning, for example in a Year 4 mathematics lesson when they were busily engaged in measuring a range of objects in the classroom. They worked very sensibly in pairs to decide whether a trundle wheel, metre stick or tape measure was the most suitable for each measurement. They made good progress, particularly in understanding the need for precision in their work.

p.5

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 1

As a result of their good progress, pupils’ attainment has been high for a number of years with the majority reaching the highest level possible in national tests. There was a dip in 2011, notably in writing for boys. Although this group of pupils started from a lower point at the end of Year 2, progress in writing, particularly for boys, in 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

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 1

Key Stage 2 was much slower than in reading and mathematics. However, as a result of a number of initiatives pupils are now making good progress in writing. There is a particular drive to make writing interesting and relevant for boys in particular. For example, in a Year 5 lesson, pupils were creating and describing an alien. They were enthusiastic and used a range of interesting and powerful language. This activity was particularly effective in motivating the boys to write.

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 1

Groups from a wide range of backgrounds make equally good progress, with those of Indian heritage doing especially well. Pupils with moderate learning problems and speech and communication difficulties make good progress because the work is tailored to meet their needs and they receive good support in lessons. One pupil, supported by others, expressed the view that ‘no-one is left out in lessons’.

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 1

Pupils treat each other and adults with great respect. They are extremely courteous and behaviour in lessons and around the school is outstanding. Virtually all pupils and their parents and carers believe that they are safe in school. Pupils are confident that bullying occurs only rarely and if it does it is dealt with swiftly and effectively because ‘teachers care for us’. They have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe in a variety of situations. Pupils take their many responsibilities around school, for example as school councillors and play leaders, very seriously and believe that their ‘voice’ is heard, for example in creating the ‘behaviour steps’. They also raise money for a range of charities although their contribution to the wider community is less marked.

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 1

These are the grades for pupils’ outcomes Pupils’ achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning Taking into account: Pupils’ attainment 1 The quality of pupils’ learning and their progress The quality of learning for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their progress The extent to which pupils feel safe 1 Pupils’ behaviour 1 The extent to which pupils adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which pupils contribute to the school and wider community 2 The extent to which pupils develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being Taking into account: Pupils’ attendance 1 The extent of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 1

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 1

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

How effective is the provision?

The school’s provision enables pupils to achieve extremely well in basic skills as well as helping them to develop strong personal qualities and to become confident and enthusiastic learners. As one pupil put it, ‘They try to make learning fun’. Good links are made between different aspects of the curriculum which help pupils to see how their learning fits together. For example, at the start of an outstanding Year 6 lesson pupils were greeted by a ‘blacked out’ classroom with air raid sirens sounding. This set the scene for some evocative poetry based on the Blitz which supported their topic on the Second World War. The curriculum is considerably enriched through themed weeks, visits, visitors and modern foreign languages. The specialist provision in music and sport considerably enhances pupils’ enjoyment and achievement in these areas. The sight of the large choir singing ‘Thumbelina’ tunefully and

p.7

How effective is the provision?

In the classroom, teachers have a productive partnership with teaching assistants who make a considerable contribution to the quality of learning, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Teachers have good subject knowledge and use ICT effectively to enhance learning. This was evident in an outstanding phonics (sounds and letters) lesson in Year 1 where the teacher’s very good subject knowledge, a range of interesting activities and focused teaching enabled all pupils to make very good progress in their reading skills. Teachers mark pupils’ work conscientiously, mostly providing good guidance on how pupils might improve and reach their targets. Sometimes, however, teachers’ introductions to lessons are too long and pupils are asked to sit without active participation. When this occurs, the needs of pupils of different abilities are not fully met and pupils do not have the opportunity to consolidate their learning through discussion or activity.

p.7

How effective is the provision?

The care and nurture of every pupil are at the heart of the school’s work. Every pupil is known as an individual and their needs met. There are very good levels of support, for example through the learning mentors, for pupils whose circumstances make them vulnerable. The popular breakfast club is well run and provides an invaluable service to pupils and their families. Procedures for dealing with any poor behaviour are very effective and clearly understood. As one pupil put it, ‘Since the behaviour charts have got going, our behaviour has improved.’ The high profile given to attendance and punctuality over the last year, in particular, has had a significant impact on raising levels of attendance.

p.7

How effective is the provision?

These are the grades for the quality of provision The quality of teaching Taking into account: The use of assessment to support learning The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils’ needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships The effectiveness of care, guidance and support 1 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 are leadership and management?

The headteacher has led the school successfully since the previous inspection and has high expectations of everybody in the school community. She has developed the roles of senior and middle leaders and all share a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to meeting the challenging targets set out in the school’s plans. Leaders conduct a wide range of monitoring activities and have created a climate where teachers support each other and constantly strive to improve their own practice. Consequently, outcomes for pupils are high and the quality of provision is improving. Members of the governing body bring a wide range of expertise to their roles. They are extremely well organised and are comfortable in providing high levels of professional challenge to leaders. They play a significant role in setting the strategic direction of the school.

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The school’s provision is significantly enhanced by partnerships to support pupils’ welfare and learning. In particular, links with sports providers, the music service and the local high school provide opportunities for pupils that they would not otherwise have. Additionally the involvement in the ‘City Challenge’ project illustrates the school’s commitment to improvement. The school engages well with most parent and carers and has done a great deal to develop the partnership further since the previous inspection. A Parents’ Forum has been established, parents and carers are involved in school development planning and workshops about different aspects of the curriculum are a regular feature of school life. Parents’ and carers’ views on different aspects of school life are sought and acted upon. For example one parent commented on how the school had implemented her suggestions for a ‘praise and reward’ behaviour scheme that was adopted immediately.

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The school’s polices and practices in relation to the safeguarding of children are exemplary and are a high priority for everybody at the school. There is a comprehensive awareness of safeguarding issues among staff and quality assurance and risk assessment procedures are excellent. The school is a national leader of high quality practice and offers advice to others in this capacity. The school is conspicuously successful in eradicating discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity. As a result all groups of pupils achieve well. The school promotes community cohesion well. The impact of this is felt mostly in the school, which is a harmonious and diverse community, as well as the local area. Grimsdyke also has links with a school in India but its strategy at the national and global levels is less well developed.

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

These are the grades for leadership and management The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement Taking into account: The leadership and management of teaching and learning 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?

The effectiveness of the governing body in challenging and supporting the school so that weaknesses are tackled decisively and statutory responsibilities met The effectiveness of the school’s engagement with parents and carers 2 The effectiveness of partnerships in promoting learning and well-being 1 The effectiveness with which the school promotes equality of opportunity and tackles discrimination The effectiveness of safeguarding procedures 1 The effectiveness with which the school promotes community cohesion 2 The effectiveness with which the school deploys resources to achieve value for money

p.9

Early Years Foundation Stage

Children make good progress in the Reception classes from their starting points. By the time they move into Year 1 their attainment is well above average in all areas of their learning. A warm and welcoming environment helps children to settle quickly and to become eager and confident learners. A ‘show and tell’ session, for example, illustrated clearly that children were becoming good listeners and developing confidence in talking to the group. Thorough planning ensures that children gain experience in all areas of their learning. There is a good emphasis on early reading and counting skills in focused sessions led by the adults. In these it is evident that teachers have a good understanding of how children develop these skills. There are also opportunities for pupils to explore the exciting activities in the well-resourced indoor and outdoor areas for themselves.

p.9

Early Years Foundation Stage

Children’s progress is assessed very carefully in their ‘Learning Journeys’ and this information is used well to plan for further learning. Teachers have high expectations of their children and targets are set soon after their arrival. Occasionally, opportunities are missed to question children in order to develop their learning even further. All staff have high regard for children’s safety and welfare and procedures are robust. The Early Years Foundation Stage coordinator is temporarily away from school and the headteacher is leading developments well in her absence in partnership with the enthusiastic team. There are good relationships with parents and carers and a number commented on how well their children had settled in. The work in Reception is monitored rigorously but data are not yet utilised to their full capacity to secure the children’s baseline and to track their progress accurately as they move through the year.

p.9

Early Years Foundation Stage

These are the grades for the Early Years Foundation Stage

p.9

Early Years Foundation Stage

Overall effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage Taking into account: 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

Early Years Foundation Stage

Outcomes for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage The quality of provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage The effectiveness of leadership and management of the Early Years Foundation Stage

p.10

Views of parents and carers

More than half of parents and carers responded to the questionnaire which is higher than usual. Of these almost all believe that their children enjoy their learning, are safe at school and helped to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Comments such as ‘Both my children look forward to school every day. They love their friends, teachers and school’ were typical of the views expressed. Most are supportive of the school in response to the remaining questions. Where they added comments these tended to praise the school’s caring atmosphere and the effectiveness of communication. A number reiterated how much their children enjoy school. A small minority of parents and carers expressed dissatisfaction in their responses. These tended to centre around the leadership and communication in the school. A number do not feel that their children have made enough progress and are not being well enough prepared for the future. Inspectors found leadership at all levels and of governors to be

p.10

Views of parents and carers

outstanding. They found that communication was regular and informative and that the school does a great deal to communicate its policies and curriculum to parents and carers. They also found that pupils make good progress and achieve outstandingly well, reaching levels of attainment that are much higher than in most schools. This prepares them extremely well for the next stages of their education.

p.10

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted’s questionnaire

Ofsted invited all the registered parents and carers of pupils registered at Grimsdyke 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. The inspection team received 220 completed questionnaires by the end of the on-site inspection. In total, there are 417 pupils registered at the school.

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted’s questionnaire

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Total % Total % Total % Total % My child enjoys school 124 56 93 42 2 1 0 0 The school keeps my child safe 128 58 86 39 5 2 0 0 The school informs me about my child’s progress 50 23 140 64 17 8 6 2 My child is making enough progress at this school 58 26 120 55 22 10 9 4 The teaching is good at this school 61 28 132 60 16 7 4 2 The school helps me to support my child’s learning 63 29 116 53 27 12 5 2 The school helps my child to have a healthy lifestyle 79 36 126 57 7 3 0 0 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) 50 23 114 52 26 12 6 3

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted’s questionnaire

The school meets my child’s particular needs 57 26 118 54 23 10 4 2 The school deals effectively with unacceptable behaviour 74 34 102 26 22 10 5 2 The school takes account of my suggestions and concerns 46 21 119 54 29 13 6 3

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted’s questionnaire

The school is led and managed effectively 63 29 112 51 25 11 7 3 Overall, I am happy with my child’s experience at this school 84 38 117 53 15 7 4 2

p.11

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.11

Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding These features are highly effective. An outstanding school provides exceptionally well for all its pupils’ needs. Grade 2 Good These are very positive features of a school. A school that is good is serving its pupils well. Grade 3 Satisfactory These features are of reasonable quality. A satisfactory school is providing adequately for its pupils. 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.12

Type of school Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

Nursery schools 43 47 10 0 Primary schools 6 46 42 6 Secondary schools 14 36 41 9

p.12

Type of school Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

Sixth forms 15 42 41 3 Special schools 30 48 19 3 Pupil referral units 14 50 31 5

p.12

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 08 April 2011 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.12

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

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

p.13

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.13

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.13

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.13

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.  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.13

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.13

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

main findings from the inspection of their school.

p.14

Inspection of Grimsdyke School, Pinner HA5 4QE

You may remember that I visited Grimsdyke School recently with three other inspectors. I am writing to thank you all for being so polite, friendly and helpful and telling us about your school. I thought you would like to know what we found out.

p.14

Inspection of Grimsdyke School, Pinner HA5 4QE

You are rightly proud of your school because it is outstanding. You make good progress in English and mathematics because the teaching is good. By the time you leave the school you are reaching high levels of attainment. You also enjoy your learning and have good computer skills. This means that you are very well prepared for the next steps in your education.

p.14

Inspection of Grimsdyke School, Pinner HA5 4QE

We were very impressed with your behaviour which we judged to be excellent. You told us how safe you feel at school and we found that all the adults at school look after you very well. You also told us how much you enjoy all the extra activities you have to do in music and sport, for example. These also help you to develop skills in lots of areas and to keep very fit and healthy. We were pleased that your attendance improved last year. You can help to keep this up by making sure that you come to school regularly and on time unless you are ill.

p.14

Inspection of Grimsdyke School, Pinner HA5 4QE

The headteacher, with the support of all the staff and governors, works hard to provide you with an outstanding education. They recognise that even in an outstanding school some things could be better. We have asked them to do one thing which will help you to make even better progress.

p.14

Inspection of Grimsdyke School, Pinner HA5 4QE

 Although teaching is good we have challenged the school to make half of lessons outstanding by December 2012. We have asked teachers to make sure that they do not talk for too long at the beginning of lessons and give you plenty of chances to discuss your ideas and take part actively.

p.14

Inspection of Grimsdyke School, Pinner HA5 4QE

Graham Lee Lead inspector procedures set 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 .

p.14

Discuss this inspection

Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.

Join the discussion