Setting

Mr Simon Field Headteacher Milford Primary School Chevin Road Milford Belper DE56 0QH

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School

Following my visit to your school on 16 June 2014, 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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School

The visit was the first monitoring inspection since the school was judged to require improvement following the section 5 inspection in March 2014. It was carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005.

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School

Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the recent section 5 inspection.

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Evidence

During the visit, meetings were held with you, subject leaders, two representatives of the governing body, a group of pupils and a representative of the local authority, to discuss the actions taken since the last inspection. I evaluated your plans for improvement. I considered documentation relating to the monitoring of teaching and reviewed your most recent data on pupils’ progress and attainment. We conducted a tour of the school together and visited all classes to see pupils and staff at work. I considered the quality of teachers’ marking.

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Context

Since the recent inspection, two new governors have been appointed. Serco Inspections 20 Colmore Circus Queensway Birmingham B4 6AT T 0300 123 1231 Text Phone: 0161 6188524 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T :0121 679 9168 Direct email : narinder.kurana@serco.com

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Main findings

You are using a wider range of evidence to evaluate the impact of teaching on pupils’ learning. Evidence from teachers’ planning and marking, lesson observations and learning walks, as well as pupils’ views and work, are now contributing to pupil progress meetings. Staff are receiving more detailed feedback on their practice and responding positively to guidance. Teachers have higher expectations of what pupils can do and are taking better account of pupils’ different starting points. As a result, teaching is improving.

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Main findings

This is confirmed by pupils who say that they are expected to work harder during lessons and that activities are now more challenging. This is improving pupils’ attitudes towards their work because learning is becoming more enjoyable. Pupils say that they are clearer about how to improve their work. More detailed feedback and marking is helping them to review their work, correct mistakes, and finish off ideas.

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Main findings

Subject leaders are becoming more involved in checking on the quality of teaching in the school and how this is contributing to the progress being made by individuals and groups of pupils. Consequently, they have a better understanding of where gaps in attainment exist and are planning appropriate actions for improvement.

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Main findings

Governors’ practice continues to be of a consistently high standard. They have high expectations and challenge you with confidence.

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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 is providing timely support and challenge to the school. A number of local authority consultants are providing effective support to staff that is tailored to meet their individual needs.

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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 Derbyshire.

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