Setting

Headteacher Charter Primary School Wood Lane Chippenham SN15 3EA

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School

Following my visit to your school on 19 June 2013, I write on behalf of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills to report the findings of my visit. Thank you for the help you gave me and for the time you made available to discuss the actions you are taking to improve the school since the most recent section 5 inspection.

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School

The visit was the first monitoring inspection since the school was judged to require improvement following the section 5 inspection in February 2013. It was carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005.

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Evidence

During the visit, meetings were held with you, other senior leaders, pupils, members of the Governing Body and a representative of the local authority to discuss the actions taken since the last inspection. The school improvement plan was evaluated and this included evidence of teachers’ performance management and the impact this is having on improving teaching and outcomes for pupils overall.

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Context

The current Chair of Governors is stepping down at the end of this academic year and his role will be taken over by the Vice Chair. Tribal 1-4 Portland Square Bristol BS2 8RR T 0300 123 1231 Text Phone: 0161 6188524 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T 0117 311 5359 Direct F 0117 315 0430 Email : christina.bannerman@tribalgroup.com

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Main findings

You have wasted no time in tackling the areas identified for improvement at the most recent inspection. You are beginning to develop within the school a greater sense of shared ownership for school improvement amongst all staff. To this end you have revised the school improvement plan. It now incorporates the inspection outcome recommendations and clearly identifies who is responsible for implementing and monitoring actions and when they need to be completed. You have allocated time and resources wisely.

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Main findings

Pupils’ progress is being carefully tracked and this information is being shared regularly with teachers and used by them to plan the next steps in pupils’ learning. Similarly, the governing body now receives regular updates on the work of the school. A review date for governance has yet to be finalised but already work has started on ensuring governors’ time in meetings is use to best effect.

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Main findings

Since the inspection senior leaders have reviewed the performance of teaching staff and where development needs have been identified a programme of training and support has been introduced. Senior leaders monitor teaching quality closely and where appropriate set additional personalised professional development targets for teachers. Middle leaders have received training to support them in their leadership roles. One leader who spoke with me said she now feels much more confident in carrying out lesson observations following the training and support she has received.

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Main findings

Governors are benefiting from improved communication with senior leaders. This is providing them with a better understanding of school improvement work and they are taking a more proactive role in holding the school effectively to account. This is allowing them to ask more challenging questions of senior leaders and as a result they are gaining confidence in fulfilling their statutory duties. A date for the external review of governance recommended at the time of the inspection has yet to be finalised.

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Main findings

In conclusion, senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the recent section 5 inspection. The school should take further action to:

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Main findings

 ensure the timings and success criteria of the school improvement plan are shared with all members of staff so that they may confidently understand their role in helping to make Charter Primary a securely good school  secure a date for the external review of governance to take place before the end of this academic year.

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Main findings

Ofsted may carry out further visits and, where necessary, provide further support and challenge to the school until its next section 5 inspection.

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External support

The local authority has provided timely support for the school following the most recent inspection. As a result, you, your senior leaders and governors established a greater sense of urgency and raised expectations throughout the school. Through regular review visits the local authority is providing the necessary support and challenge to secure stronger leadership and improvements in teaching.

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External support

I am copying this letter to the Chair of the Governing Body and the Director of Children’s Services for Wiltshire.

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