Overton Church of England Primary School

Overton Church of England Primary School Court Drove, Overton, Basingstoke, RG25 3ES

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Overall effectiveness

Previous inspection: Outstanding 1 This inspection: Outstanding 1 Achievement of pupils Outstanding 1 Quality of teaching Outstanding 1 Behaviour and safety of pupils Outstanding 1 Leadership and management Outstanding 1

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Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.  Achievement is outstanding. All pupils, including those who are eligible for additional funding, the most able pupils and those who are disabled or have special educational needs, make outstanding progress.  At the end of Year 6, pupils leave Overton with attainment that is well above average.  Teaching is outstanding. All pupils respond positively to their teachers’ expectations.  Pupils behave extremely well and thoroughly enjoy coming to school. They are very keen to learn and play a full part in all lessons. Attendance is above average.  Relationships between staff and pupils are excellent. Pupils feel very safe and cared for. They respond extremely well to taking on a wide range of responsibilities.  Overton plans its timetable so that pupils learn an interesting range of topics as well as vital skills in English and mathematics.  A high proportion of pupils also take part in a

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Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

wide range of additional activities outside the classroom.  Leadership and management are outstanding. The headteacher provides highly effective and inspirational leadership. She is extremely well supported by the senior leadership team and middle leaders. As a result Overton has further improved from its outstanding position at the last inspection.  All staff are extremely committed with a strong team spirit. They are very enthusiastic about their roles in taking the school forward.  All teachers know how well their pupils are doing. They use information about pupils’ progress to plan carefully to ensure all pupils achieve to the best of their abilities.  The school’s leaders at all levels check the quality of teaching in detail. They provide excellent training opportunities for staff.  Governors are committed to ensuring the best possible education. They have a clear understanding of Overton’s strengths and of

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Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

their role in holding the school to account.  Pupils’ preparation for the next stage of their education is excellent.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspectors observed 15 lessons. Eight of the lessons were joint observations with the headteacher and the deputy headteacher.  The inspectors held meetings with school leaders, teaching staff, the inclusion manager, groups of pupils, a representative from the local authority and members of the governing body.  The inspectors looked at a wide range of school documents, including development plans, the school’s self-evaluation, records of behaviour and attendance, safeguarding and curriculum information and records and documents relating to staff performance.  The inspectors also scrutinised the work that pupils are doing in their books.  The inspectors heard individual pupils from Years 2 and 3 read.  The inspectors considered the 102 responses to the online questionnaire, Parent View. The views expressed by parents and carers who spoke with the inspectors at the start of the school day were also taken into account, as well as six letters or emails from parents or carers.

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Information about this inspection

 The 33 responses to the school staff questionnaire were also taken into account.

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Inspection team

Mark Anderson, Lead inspector Additional Inspector Margaret Faull Additional Inspector Andrew Lyons Additional Inspector

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Information about this school

 Overton is a larger than average-sized primary school situated near Basingstoke.  Pupils are taught in two classes for each year group, apart from Year 5 which has one class.  The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below average. The pupil premium is additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children looked after by the local authority.  The proportion of pupils who are disabled or have special educational needs and are supported through school action is below average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average.  Almost all pupils are of White British origin.  The school meets the government’s current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils’ attainment and progress in English and mathematics.

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What does the school need to do to improve further?

 Improve the accuracy of the pupils’ spelling, grammar and punctuation in all year groups.

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The achievement of pupils is outstanding

 Children join Overton in the Reception classes with skills and knowledge that are typical for their age. They benefit from an outstanding start to school. They settle extremely quickly as many have attended the on-site independent pre-school. Children make outstanding progress from their starting points.  The strong foundations established in Reception are built on very well in Key Stage 1. Pupils continue to make excellent progress in all subjects. Attainment at the end of Year 2 is significantly higher than that seen in most schools nationally.  Pupils make rapid progress in Key Stage 2. Their attainment in reading, writing and especially in mathematics by the time they leave Year 6 is well above national averages. The school has established a sustained track record of above-average levels of achievement in recent years.  The school’s current data indicate that during this year pupils are making even more rapid

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The achievement of pupils is outstanding

progress, across both key stages and in all subjects, than in 2013.  Disabled pupils and those with special educational needs and those supported by additional funding make better progress than similar groups nationally. They receive effective support from teachers and support staff. As a result they make similar progress to that of their peers. Those supported by additional funding attain standards in line with those of other pupils in the school.  The progress the most able pupils make is at least good and more often outstanding. Their attainment at the higher levels in recent years has been well above average. The school predicts that results achieved in 2014 are likely to exceed the already high standards reached in 2013.  The outstanding levels of progress made by all groups of pupils clearly demonstrate Overton’s commitment to promoting equality of opportunity for all its pupils.  Pupils enjoy reading and standards achieved are well above average. Pupils acquire a real love

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The achievement of pupils is outstanding

of reading as they progress through the school. Almost every pupil exceeded the expected standard in the most recent Year 1 screening check for phonics (the sounds that letters make).  Pupils develop imaginative writing skills across a wide range of subjects. These skills were highlighted in a Year 2 lesson in which pupils were comparing photographs of ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ playground areas. However the quality of spelling, grammar and punctuation is not of a high enough standard in some year groups and not enough attention is always given to the accuracy of the pupils’ written work.

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The quality of teaching is outstanding

 Teaching is never less than good and a high proportion is outstanding. Pupils respond well to the teachers’ high expectations and the engaging learning activities which enable them to make good progress.  Teachers and teaching assistants form a strong team. They support each other and work well together to create a focused and productive working atmosphere in which all pupils try to achieve their best.  Teachers demonstrate high levels of subject knowledge that support pupils’ learning and help them progress to higher levels of achievement.  As a result of motivating and enthusiastic teaching, pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves. They are inspired to develop curious and enquiring minds and not always to take things purely at ‘face value’.  Pupils understand exactly what teachers expect of them. They work towards clear goals without fuss. When pupils have opportunities to speak as individuals the others listen well. This high

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The quality of teaching is outstanding

level of attention was seen when the entire school was completely engaged and entertained watching the Year 6 dress rehearsal performance of ‘Aladdin’.  Very positive relationships between adults and pupils promote excellent attitudes. Pupils become mature and confident learners who feel valued. They are willing to take risks without fear of failure and confidently express their own thoughts and ideas.  Regular checks on how well pupils are doing and the progress they are making ensure that work extends and challenges pupils’ learning. These checks are also effective in supporting those who may find learning more difficult.  The high quality of marking and feedback has a very positive impact on pupils’ learning. Staff give pupils useful information and pointers on how to improve. However teaching does not consistently focus enough on the accuracy of pupils’ spelling, punctuation and use of grammar.

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The quality of teaching is outstanding

 The school has excellent outdoor facilities and the pupils enjoy using them in their learning. Year 4 pupils were observed enthusiastically creating a variety of number patterns using hoops and other equipment.  Almost all parents and carers who responded to Parent View considered that their children were taught well.

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The behaviour and safety of pupils are outstanding

 The behaviour of pupils is outstanding, both in lessons and throughout the school day. They clearly enjoy their lessons and are keen to give of their best. Their attitudes to learning are excellent.  Pupils of all ages are very polite, courteous and respectful. They engage with all adults easily to talk about their learning and help each other with their work. The older pupils enjoy taking on a wide variety of responsibilities and have high expectations of themselves.  The school’s work to keep pupils safe and secure is outstanding. Pupils say that they feel very safe at Overton and regard it as ‘their’ school. They are very confident that they can approach any member of staff if they have any concerns.  Pupils clearly enjoy coming to school and particularly look forward to the many trips and outings, especially the Year 6 residential visit to the Isle of Wight. Pupils told inspectors they would

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The behaviour and safety of pupils are outstanding

unreservedly recommend Overton to others. They also feel that they are extremely well prepared to move on to the next school they will attend.  Incidents of poor or inappropriate behaviour are rare and pupils respond to the consistently high expectations that are in place across the whole school.  Pupils know how to keep themselves safe on the internet and show a good awareness of different types of bullying, including cyber bullying, and what to do if they occur.  All staff and the overwhelming majority of parents and carers who responded to Parent View consider that their children are safe and that behaviour is very good.  Pupils are very proud of their school and help to make sure that all areas, indoors and outdoors, are kept clear and tidy.  The school operates an open door policy for parents and carers. There are regular opportunities for parents and carers to be involved in different events and activities throughout the school

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The behaviour and safety of pupils are outstanding

year. For example, during the inspection many parents and carers attended a fund-raising cake sale, held by the Year 1 pupils for their partner school in Uganda.  Attendance has improved as a result of close checks on absence, the celebration of good attendance and effective links with parents and carers. As a result, attendance is above average.

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The leadership and management are outstanding

 The headteacher has provided inspired, determined and consistent leadership over a sustained period. She has been well supported by an enthusiastic and capable team of leaders and other staff and a committed board of governors. There is no sense of complacency and everyone displays genuine ambition to continue to take the school forward.  The middle leadership at Overton is particularly strong and staff carry out their roles with commitment and enthusiasm.  The school’s leadership keeps a rigorous check on the quality of teaching and staff are provided with extremely well-targeted support and training. The school’s leadership keeps a rigorous check on the quality of teaching and staff are provided with well-targeted support and training.  Morale is high and good teamwork underpins all that takes place at Overton. Everyone who works at the school is supportive of each other. They show a shared sense of responsibility and

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The leadership and management are outstanding

this contributes to a good capacity for ongoing improvement.  The headteacher and governors have an accurate overview of strengths and areas for improvement in teaching. The system for setting targets for teachers is rigorous in ensuring that they are held to account for the achievement of their pupils.  The school’s leadership ensures that there are clear links between the quality of teaching and its impact on pupils’ achievement and teachers’ progression on the pay scale.  Attainment and progress data are regularly checked by the headteacher and staff in order to determine how best to improve pupils’ performance.  The school is using the primary school sports funding to good effect. The funding goes towards staff training in swimming, indoor athletics equipment, subscription to a local sports cluster of schools and hiring specialist sports teachers to work alongside school staff.  The local authority provides ongoing ‘light touch’ support which has been valued by the school.

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The leadership and management are outstanding

 The school has excellent resources and facilities, both indoors and outdoors. The swimming pool and extensive grounds ensure that the pupils benefit from a wide range of learning experiences outside the classroom. Staff and pupils take a genuine pride in the maintenance and appearance of their school, both inside and out.  Links with parents and carers, the church and the community are strong. The parent council provides a forum for parents and carers to contribute to the school’s development.  Overton provides equality of opportunity for each pupil. The school is wholly inclusive in all areas. Every pupil is clearly valued as an individual in his or her own right.  The imaginative curriculum offers a broad range of varied and exciting learning experiences for the pupils which contribute well to their social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. The school has developed close links with schools in Hounslow and Uganda which have enabled the

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The leadership and management are outstanding

pupils to gain a real understanding of different cultures, lifestyles and communities.  There are also many popular clubs which are well attended. These currently include, among others, Zumba, water polo, karate, orchestra, football and Frisbee.

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The leadership and management are outstanding

 The governance of the school:  Governors know Overton very well, including its strengths and areas for development. Through a good understanding of the performance data, they understand how well their school is doing compared to similar schools and to all schools nationally. They also have a good knowledge of the quality of teaching across the school. They understand how pay and promotion are linked to teachers’ performance in the classroom and its impact on the progress pupils make. Governors monitor spending rigorously to ensure that the budget is managed efficiently to provide high-quality learning resources. They also ensure good use is made of additional funding and sports funding. They have a good awareness of the effect the extra funding has upon pupils’ learning. Governors ensure that all statutory duties and safeguarding requirements are met.

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding An outstanding school is highly effective in delivering outcomes that provide exceptionally well for all its pupils’ needs. This ensures that pupils are very well equipped for the next stage of their education, training or employment. Grade 2 Good A good school is effective in delivering outcomes that provide well for all its pupils’ needs. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education, training or employment. Grade 3 Requires improvement A school that requires improvement is not yet a good school, but it is not inadequate. This school will receive a full inspection within 24 months from the date of this inspection. Grade 4 Inadequate A school that has serious weaknesses is inadequate overall and requires significant improvement but leadership and management are judged to be Grade 3 or better. This school will receive regular monitoring by Ofsted inspectors. A school that requires special measures is one where the school is

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Grade Judgement Description

failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education and the school’s leaders, managers or governors have not demonstrated that they have the capacity to secure the necessary improvement in the school. This school will receive regular monitoring by Ofsted inspectors.

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School details

Unique reference number 116305 Local authority Hampshire Inspection number 441024

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School details

Type of school Primary School category Community Age range of pupils 4–11 Gender of pupils Mixed Number of pupils on the school roll 350 Appropriate authority The governing body Chair Joe Paxton Headteacher Fiona Wyeth Date of previous school inspection 24–25 May 2011 Telephone number 01256 770249 Fax number 01256 773052 Email address adminoffice@overton.hants.sch.uk guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', 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 .

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School details

You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child’s school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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School details

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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School details

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 and 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. 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

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School details

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 survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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School details

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

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