Braddock CofE Primary School

Braddock CofE Primary School Inspection report

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112023 Unique Reference Number Cornwall Local Authority 325510 Inspection number 18 March 2009 Inspection date Martin James Reporting inspector

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This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. The registered childcare, managed by the governing body, was inspected under section 49 of the Childcare Act 2006.

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Primary Type of school Voluntary aided School category 2–11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 44 School (total) 20 Government funded early education provision for children aged 3 to the end of the EYFS 23 Childcare provision for children aged 0 to 3 years The governing body Appropriate authority Carol Spear Chair Debbie Tregellas Headteacher 7 March 2006 Date of previous school inspection 23 March 2006 Date of previous funded early education inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous childcare inspection East Taphouse School address Liskeard PL14 4TB 01579 326136 Telephone number 01579 326136 Fax number

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2–11 Age group 18 March 2009 Inspection date 325510 Inspection number .

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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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. 2 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by two Additional Inspectors.

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Description of the school

The school is much smaller than most primary schools. All pupils are from a White British background. The number of pupils eligible for free school meals is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is similar to the national average, as is the proportion with a statement of special educational needs. The Early Years Foundation Stage consists of Reception, which is integrated into one class with pupils from Years 1 and 2, and the Braddock Acorns Nursery, which is managed by the school governors. The governors also manage a breakfast club and an after-school club. In recognition of its work, the school has received the Healthy Schools, Active Mark, Bronze Eco-Friendly School and Investors in People awards.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009

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Grade: 2

This is a good school, where pupils achieve well. It also has some outstanding features, notably pupils' personal development and well-being. Pupils greatly enjoy school and their behaviour and attitudes are exemplary. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. Care, guidance and support for pupils are also outstanding, with the safety of pupils being a top priority. Parents are exceptionally positive about the school. One typical comment was, 'All the staff are friendly and approachable.' Another parent added, 'My daughter thoroughly enjoys school, and would go 24/7 if given the chance.' Standards are broadly average, and pupils achieve well. As a result of the very small and varying numbers joining the Early Years Foundation Stage each year, the children's knowledge and skills on entry vary significantly. However, attainment generally is below that expected. During their time in the Early Years Foundation Stage, the children achieve well and they reach average

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Grade: 2

standards by the time they leave Reception. Current standards at the end of Year 6 are broadly average, and these pupils have made good progress from their particular starting point. However, pupils do slightly less well in mathematics than in other subjects. Good teaching is a key factor in the pupils' good progress. Relationships are outstanding, teaching assistants are deployed well, and teachers make good use of a variety of resources and strategies to make the lessons interesting. Lessons are generally well planned to meet the needs of different pupils in the mixed-age classes. However, occasionally, the work provided lacks adequate challenge for some pupils. Clear help and advice is provided during lessons. Marking and the targets provided for pupils ensure that they are well aware of how to develop their work further. The curriculum contributes well to both pupils' progress and their enjoyment of school. It is

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Grade: 2

interesting and varied and, for example, helps to make the pupils very aware of the need to follow a healthy lifestyle. The school routinely reviews and develops its curriculum and it is currently extending the use of cross-curricular links, especially in relation to the development of numeracy skills. More should be done on this. Pupils report that they greatly enjoy the good range of visits and clubs that the school provides. The headteacher and other members of staff are a dedicated team, committed to improving the provision they make for their pupils. Self-evaluation is effective in pinpointing where improvement is needed, and, for instance, remedial action has been successful in ensuring that girls and boys perform similarly well. Governors support the school effectively, and they are fully involved, for example in school development planning. The improvements that have been made both recently and since the

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Grade: 2

previous inspection, and the good quality of the current provision, show that the school has a good capacity to improve even further.

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Grade: 2

Children make good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage because the teaching is good. The children are happy in school, they enjoy themselves and their behaviour is exemplary. The staff work hard to create a friendly and very caring learning environment, and the children also benefit from the good links that are established with parents. Adults provide the children with a good balance between teacher-led activities and chances for them to choose their tasks for themselves. They take every opportunity to help children develop their various skills. Just 4 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009 occasionally, they do not expect enough of the children in the work that is provided. Adults frequently talk to the children to help develop their language skills and this is well focused and effective. A good range of resources is available, with the outdoor area being used well in all

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Grade: 2

aspects of the curriculum. The leader uses her specialist knowledge and enthusiasm well in making suitable provision for the children and other staff members support her well in providing for their various needs.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Provide pupils with more opportunities to develop their numeracy skills in subjects other than mathematics. ■ Ensure that teachers consistently provide challenging activities for pupils.

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Grade: 2

Standards overall are broadly average, and pupils' achievement is good. Children get off to a good start in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and they reach average standards by the end of Reception, occasionally exceeding them. In Years 1 and 2, pupils achieve well, and by the end of Year 2, overall standards are above average. However, pupils perform slightly less well in mathematics than in other subjects. By the end of Year 6, although pupils' performance in mathematics remains a little lower than in other subjects, standards overall are broadly average. However, when they were in Year 2, the present Year 6 pupils were a lower performing group. Therefore, current standards represent good achievement through Years 3 to 6. In 2008, girls in both Year 2 and Year 6 did not perform quite as well as the boys. The school recognised this and the strategies introduced to address the issue have been successful, with boys and girls now performing similarly well. The school

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Grade: 2

makes good provision for pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and this is helping them to make good progress towards their targets.

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Grade: 1

Pupils' outstanding personal development is firmly based on their excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils' exceptional attitudes and behaviour, and their enthusiasm for learning, are important reasons why they achieve well. Pupils are courteous and polite to each other and to adults. They have a strong sense of right and wrong. Pupils play happily together and they say that bullying is not a problem. Older pupils take great care of their younger classmates. As a result, pupils feel both safe and well-cared for in school. Pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to school. This is illustrated by their good, and much improved, attendance. They are proud of their school. Pupils' knowledge and understanding of keeping healthy is exceptional. As a result, they eat healthy meals and benefit greatly from the opportunities provided for physical exercise, such as the 'walking bus' and the daily 'Wake Up, Shake Up' sessions. Pupils use their initiative very

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Grade: 1

well when carrying out responsible jobs such as playground helpers and members of the school council. Pupils are also actively involved in the wider community; for example, they not only participate in village activities, but also organise events for local residents. The school successfully develops in its pupils both confidence and independence and this, together with the good progress they are making in basic skills, is preparing them well for later life. 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009

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Grade: 2

Good planning and close cooperation between teachers and teaching assistants mean teaching is effective and pupils learn well. Classes are well managed and relationships are a particular strength. Lessons are lively and teachers use a good range of resources, such as interactive whiteboards, to make the lessons interesting. Teachers' subject knowledge is good. Pupils respond well, they concentrate hard and they work with enthusiasm. Additionally, they enjoy themselves. Consequently, the pupils successfully develop and reinforce both their knowledge and skills. Teachers make good use of paired discussions to help pupils clarify their ideas and develop their understanding of the work being undertaken. Teachers plan a range of work for the different ages and abilities in their classes. However, they do not always provide work that is challenging enough for some pupils, so that these pupils' knowledge and skills are not as fully extended as they might be during these lessons.

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Grade: 2

The curriculum enables pupils to study a broad and interesting range of subjects and topics and this contributes to their good progress. There is a good emphasis on the use of the school's very attractive grounds, as well as the wider area of East Taphouse. The provision of French also benefits pupils' learning. The school believes that the curriculum overall might be made even more interesting and, as a result, more links are being made between subjects to produce topics that will further motivate pupils. A particular emphasis is also being placed on the greater use of numeracy in other subjects, as the school recognises that some pupils have weaknesses in their mathematical skills. Limited use has been made of numeracy in this way in the past. Learning difficulties and/or disabilities are very carefully identified, and pupils are provided with a good range of tasks, activities and support. There is a very good emphasis throughout the school on developing pupils' personal and social

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Grade: 2

skills. The curriculum makes a strong contribution to pupils' safe and healthy lifestyles. There is a good range of outings, visitors and clubs, which pupils much appreciate and which they support with enthusiasm.

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Grade: 1

The exceptional care, guidance and support provided for pupils contribute well to both their enjoyment and their learning. Procedures for safeguarding pupils and ensuring their health and safety are outstanding. External agencies are used well to support pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Child protection procedures are securely in place, and all staff are alert to any signs that a pupil might be anxious or distressed. Effective arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth entry of pupils into the school, as well as into secondary school when they leave. The school's care for its pupils also extends to the provision of a breakfast club and an after- school club, which those attending much appreciate. Parents are overwhelmingly appreciative of the good work of the staff and they greatly value the caring approach of the school. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009

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Grade: 1

Staff ensure that pupils work in a safe, secure and clean environment. Safety checks and risk assessments are routinely carried out. Pupils are taught extensively about the importance of healthy living and they are regularly reminded about the need to take care, for instance when using computers. Pupils are provided with very detailed targets for improving their work and, as a result, they have a clear awareness of the next steps they must take in their learning. The pupils in turn strive hard to reach their targets. Teachers' marking also provides pupils with helpful advice on how to develop their work further.

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Grade: 2

The headteacher leads the school with dedication, commitment and skill. She is supported well by other staff members. The sharing of roles and responsibilities within the small number of teaching staff is done well. Staff are keen to make the best possible provision for pupils, especially to help them achieve as well as they can. Staff have been successful in creating a very caring and happy environment. Good care is also taken to ensure that no form of discrimination is present in the school. The school's self-review has been largely accurate in identifying strengths and areas for development; for example, the current focus on ensuring that there is enough challenge in the work given to pupils is a most suitable priority for the school. Community cohesion and pupils' understanding of cultural diversity are developed well. There are strong community links both in school and locally, and the school has successfully

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Grade: 2

enhanced these through links made with schools in other parts of England and in Africa. Subject leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of their various subjects and they have actively supported strategies for making improvements. At present, they have limited opportunities to observe lessons in other classes, although plans are in hand for this to happen more frequently as different subjects become priorities for review. Governance is good, with the governors being fully involved, for example in producing the school development plan and monitoring its implementation. They readily exercise their role of 'critical friends', whenever appropriate. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009 .

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Grade: 2

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 8 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009

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Inspection judgements

School Overall Key to judgements: grade 1 is outstanding, grade 2 good, grade 3 satisfactory, and grade 4 inadequate

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needs of learners?

Yes Effective steps have been taken to promote improvement since the last inspection How well does the school work in partnership with others to promote learners' well being? 2 The capacity to make any necessary improvements

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EYFS?

2 How well do children in the EYFS achieve? How good are the overall personal development and well-being of the children in the EYFS? 2 How effectively are children in the EYFS helped to learn and develop? 1 How effectively is the welfare of children in the EYFS promoted? 2 How effectively is provision in the EYFS led and managed?

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Achievement and standards

2 How well do learners achieve? 3 The standards 1 reached by learners How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners 2 How well learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make progress

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Achievement and standards

1 Grade 1 - Exceptionally and consistently high; Grade 2 - Generally above average with none significantly below average; Grade 3 - Broadly average to below average; Grade 4 - Exceptionally low. 9 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009

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learners?

1 The extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 1 The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which learners adopt safe practices 1 The extent to which learners enjoy their education 2 The attendance of learners 1 The behaviour of learners 1 The extent to which learners make a positive contribution to the community How well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being

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learners' needs?

How well do the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of learners? 1 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?

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and supporting all learners?

How effectively leaders and managers at all levels set clear direction leading to improvement and promote high quality of care and education 2 How effectively leaders and managers use challenging targets to raise standards 2 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation 2 How well equality of opportunity is promoted and discrimination eliminated 2 How well does the school contribute to community cohesion? How effectively and efficiently resources, including staff, are deployed to achieve value for money The extent to which governors and other supervisory boards discharge their responsibilities Yes Do procedures for safeguarding learners meet current government requirements? No Does this school require special measures? No Does this school require a notice to improve? 10 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

19 March 2009 Dear Pupils Braddock C of E Primary School, Liskeard PL14 4TB Thank you for making us so welcome when we came to visit your school. We enjoyed our visit and it was a pleasure talking to you. I especially liked talking to the school council and we really enjoyed joining you in assembly and in lessons. I am writing to tell you what we found out about the school, what we think is good, and what we think could be made better. Overall, you are in a good school where you are doing well with your work. Your headteacher and other staff know what they need to do to make the school even better. These things are some of the strengths of the school:

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Teachers provide you with interesting lessons.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your behaviour and your attitudes to your work are excellent.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You know clearly how to improve your work.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You really enjoy the wide range of activities that the school provides, such as visits and different clubs. ■ You know about how important it is to eat healthy food and take exercise.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The staff know you well and take very good care of you.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your parents are very pleased with the school.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

These are things the school has been asked to improve:

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Provide you with more opportunities to develop your skills in mathematics, through the work you are given in other subjects. ■ Make sure that you all get work that suits you and is hard enough for you.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

You can help too, by telling your teacher if you think you would be able to do more difficult work. We wish you all good luck for the future, and we hope you enjoy your Easter holiday. Best wishes Martin James Lead Inspector 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Braddock CofE Primary School, 18 March 2009

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