Setting

CfBT Inspection Services Suite 22 West Lancs Investment Centre Maple View Skelmersdale WN8 9TG T 0300 1231231 Text Phone: 0161 6188524 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T 01695 566868 Direct F 01695 729320 Direct email: pnuttie@cfbt.com

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Mrs Amanda Barnett Headteacher Hedon Primary School Ketwell Lane Hedon Hull HU12 8BN

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East Riding of Yorkshire

Following my visit with Lee Owston Her Majesty's Inspector to your school on 11 November 2013, I write on behalf of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills to report on 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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East Riding of Yorkshire

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

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East Riding of Yorkshire

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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East Riding of Yorkshire

● establish a small governor school improvement committee that will hold school leaders to account for the progress being made in securing improvements in relation to the quality of teaching and pupils’ achievement

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East Riding of Yorkshire

● develop the leadership skills of all staff with areas of responsibility so that they are able to support the headteacher in checking the quality of teaching and learning.

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Evidence

During the visit, meetings were held with the headteacher and the acting deputy headteacher, a representative of the governing body and the local authority. I reviewed the school improvement plan and made brief visits to all classes.

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Context

The current headteacher along the majority of the teaching staff took up their appointments at the beginning of September 2013. This was six days before the previous inspection. Further staff changes are due to take place ready for the commencement of the summer term 2014, including the appointment of a permanent deputy headteacher. Three members of the governing body have resigned since the inspection.

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Main findings

This is a school in transition. Changes in personnel have brought a fresh approach to school improvement that is underpinned by a realisation that pupils deserve better. The outcome of the previous inspection did not come as a surprise to the senior leadership team and the majority of the governing body. They recognise the weaknesses highlighted in the report and the governing body correctly acknowledges that it was culpable of not checking the work of the school closely enough in the past. This honest and realistic approach is helping to drive improvement with a renewed sense of urgency and determination.

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Main findings

The headteacher in conjunction with the governing body has not wasted any time in formulating a school improvement plan that addresses all the areas of improvement identified at the time of the previous inspection. A common lesson planning format has been introduced that incorporates clear learning intentions together with appropriate activities designed to meet the needs of all pupils. Teachers have received training to develop their ability to assess pupils’ progress particularly in English and mathematics and this is beginning to ensure that teachers have a better understanding of pupils’ needs. The quality of marking has improved and this is helping pupils to understand what they need to do to improve. The provision for pupils with special educational needs has been reviewed. As a result each pupil has a clear learning pathway that includes specific targets towards which their progress is carefully monitored. These actions represent a significant step forward in

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Main findings

School leaders appreciate that there is a lot to do and know that making good staff appointments in the near future will be imperative if they are to realise their aim of becoming a good school. It can be done, however drawing up and implementing plans to drive up standards of teaching and pupils’ achievement are only part of the process. School leaders at every level, not just the headteacher, must now take responsibility for checking the quality of provision more rigorously throughout the school. This is not happening at the present time and if this is not tackled soon good practice will not become embedded in each classroom risking the potential for pupils’ progress to stall as a result.

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Main findings

An external review of governance recommended at the time of the previous inspection is expected to be completed by the end of the autumn term. In the meantime governors should give urgent consideration to establishing a small committee, that will meet regularly to evaluate the impact of initiatives contained in the school improvement plan and hold school leaders to account for their actions. This would enhance the pace of change and also give governors a better insight into the work of the school. 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 effective support to the school following the previous inspection. It is ready to offer training and advice to the governing body following the current review of governance. Good support has been given to improve teachers’ ability to assess pupils’ progress accurately especially in relation to English and mathematics.

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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 East Riding of Yorkshire and as below.

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