Schools & FE · School inspection (CIF)
Saint Barnabas Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Summary
Alison Aitchison (lead), Rebecca Clayton
What we read, and from where
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- Inspection date verified
21 Feb 2019
- Inspectors verified
Alison Aitchison, Rebecca Clayton
- Early years verified
Good
- Leadership and management verified
Requires improvement
- Outcomes verified
Requires improvement
- Overall effectiveness verified
Requires improvement
- Personal development, behaviour and welfare verified
Requires improvement
- Previous overall verified
Good
- Teaching, learning and assessment verified
Requires improvement
- Postcode verified
YO26 4YZ
- Name on report verified
Saint Barnabas Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
- URN verified
121473
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
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Grade profile
Each judgement on its scale, weakest to strongest.
- OverallRequires improvement
- Early yearsGood
- Leadership and managementRequires improvement
- OutcomesRequires improvement
- Personal development, behaviour and welfareRequires improvement
- Teaching, learning and assessmentRequires improvement
Tone of the report
How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.
In line with other reports of this type graded Requires improvement.
Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.
How the report reads, start to finish
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Strengths
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No standout praise found.
Concerns
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- The work of leaders to resolve the concerns of parents and carers is not effective. p.1
- All staff and governors have attended up-to-date safeguarding training and are aware of the signs that pupils may be at risk of harm. p.4
- Staff and governors have also completed training to identify pupils at risk from, for example, radicalisation. p.4
- As a result, although pupils state that they should be tolerant and respectful, they are not always able to accomplish this due to a lack of understanding. p.6
Next steps
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
- Improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment so that pupils, including those with SEND, make stronger progress by ensuring that: – recently implemented changes are embedded further, particularly in mathematics, across key stage 2 – teachers, particularly those in key stage 2, consistently challenge the most able p.2
- Improve pupils‟ behaviour by: – ensuring that pupils concentrate fully on their learning – reducing the incidents of bullying and poor behaviour by working in partnership with pupils, staff and parents – improving attendance, particularly of pupils who are disadvantaged, to ensure that fewer pupils are persistently absent. 20–21 February 2019 p.2
- Following the last section 5 inspection, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment declined. p.3
- However, in response to the next steps identified at the section 8 inspection in May 2018, the headteacher has secured improvements to the quality of subject leadership and teaching, learning and assessment. p.3
- As a result, all leaders share a clear vision and have set the school in the right direction. p.3
- Although this has already started to make a difference to the progress made by pupils, leaders are aware that some of these approaches are not embedded and pupils‟ progress is not consistently good. p.3
- Historically, some pupils have not made sufficient progress from their previous starting points in some subjects, particularly mathematics. p.3
- They are not catching up with their peers quickly enough. p.3
What the report dwells on
Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.
Leadership & governance33
“The work of leaders to resolve the concerns of parents and carers is not effective.” p.1
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 11
- Words of findings
- 3,289
- about usual (typical 3064)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 44, typical 47
- Average sentence
- 16 words
- Next steps
- 8
- typical 8
- Hedged sentences
- 9%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
Saint Barnabas Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Jubilee Terrace, Leeman Road, York, North Yorkshire YO26 4YZ
p.1
Overall effectiveness Requires improvement
p.1
Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement
p.1
Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement
p.1
Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement
p.1
Outcomes for pupils Requires improvement
p.1
Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good
p.1
Summary of key findings for parents and pupils
This is a school that requires improvement
p.1
Summary of key findings for parents and pupils
Pupils‟ progress is not consistent across year groups and subjects. The proportion of pupils reaching the higher standards of learning is below average by the end of key stage 2. Progress rates of some pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), is too variable, particularly in mathematics. Leaders do not promote some aspects of pupils‟ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development consistently. As a result, pupils have a limited awareness of different faiths and cultures and the fundamental British values. The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is improving, but remains variable. Sometimes lessons in mathematics do not sufficiently challenge the most able pupils. Teachers‟ expectations of pupils‟ attitudes to learning are not high enough. As a result, there is low-level disruption in some lessons. Some pupils rely too much on their teacher‟s support.
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Summary of key findings for parents and pupils
Although leaders have improved attendance for disadvantaged pupils, too many are regularly absent from school. The work of leaders to resolve the concerns of parents and carers is not effective.
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Summary of key findings for parents and pupils
The headteacher is determined, taking decisive action to bring about improvements in the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. Governors share this determination. The local authority has brokered effective partnership support, which is helping the school to improve quickly. The teaching and assessment of phonics are strong. Provision in early years is good. Children make a good start to their learning and make good progress. The learning environment is both exciting and purposeful. Leaders promote the school‟s Christian values well. Staff and pupils are friendly and welcoming. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong. 20–21 February 2019
p.1
What does the school need to do to improve further?
Ensure that leaders at all levels, including governors, are highly effective by: – consistently promoting the British values and pupils‟ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development – working with parents to improve communication between home and school – sharpening up the systems for recording incidents of inappropriate pupils‟ behaviour and the concerns of parents, so that all staff take responsibility and concerns are dealt with promptly – sharing responsibility to monitor the progress of pupils to ensure that all leaders are focusing on tackling any historical underachievement. Improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment so that pupils, including those with SEND, make stronger progress by ensuring that: – recently implemented changes are embedded further, particularly in mathematics, across key stage 2 – teachers, particularly those in key stage 2, consistently challenge the most able
p.2
What does the school need to do to improve further?
pupils – teachers‟ expectations of pupils‟ behaviour for learning in the classroom are consistently high across all classes – all teachers consistently equip pupils with strategies which enable them to develop increased independence to learn in lessons. Improve pupils‟ behaviour by: – ensuring that pupils concentrate fully on their learning – reducing the incidents of bullying and poor behaviour by working in partnership with pupils, staff and parents – improving attendance, particularly of pupils who are disadvantaged, to ensure that fewer pupils are persistently absent. 20–21 February 2019
p.2
Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement
Following the last section 5 inspection, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment declined. However, in response to the next steps identified at the section 8 inspection in May 2018, the headteacher has secured improvements to the quality of subject leadership and teaching, learning and assessment. As a result, all leaders share a clear vision and have set the school in the right direction. Although this has already started to make a difference to the progress made by pupils, leaders are aware that some of these approaches are not embedded and pupils‟ progress is not consistently good. Historically, some pupils have not made sufficient progress from their previous starting points in some subjects, particularly mathematics. They are not catching up with their peers quickly enough. Although subject leaders can measure short-term progress of pupils, they are less confident in monitoring pupils‟ progress over key stages to identify
p.3
Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement
where progress is urgently required. The headteacher has embraced the partnership support from headteacher colleagues, which was brokered by the local authority. This has been successful in bringing about improvements, particularly in the recent changes to teaching, learning and assessment of mathematics. Teachers and pupils accurately assess their work, as a starting point, and then teachers focus the planning accordingly. Evidence in pupils‟ books shows that pupils are currently making increased progress because of this sharp focus on planning. However, it is too soon to see the full impact of these changes on pupils‟ outcomes. Leaders have ensured that professional development of staff has been paramount, to equip the staff with the knowledge and skills they need to implement the new approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. Staff have benefited from the guidance from the local authority and the sharing of good practice with schools which
p.3
Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement
have provided support. As a result, the quality of teaching has improved. This is leading to pupils making stronger progress across the curriculum. The additional funding for physical education (PE) and sport has been used effectively. It has been used to purchase high-quality equipment. It has also led to increased pupil participation in a wider range of physical and sporting activities, including the „daily mile‟, dance, gymnastics and football. Sports coaches have worked with teachers to improve their skills. Pupils‟ participation in sports festivals and competitions with other schools is helping them to develop their sporting skills for a purpose. Leaders have worked hard to develop their curriculum subject areas to enrich the curriculum for pupils. For example, the detailed syllabus for computing ensures that pupils have been taught the necessary information and communication technology skills they need to use in a range of other curriculum subjects. Pupils talk
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Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement
enthusiastically about learning the ukulele or learning drama techniques to perform in a theatre production of „Macbeth‟ with other local schools. Many visitors and educational visits, including residential trips, widen pupils‟ experiences and enable pupils to find out about the world around them. Leaders ensure equal opportunities for all pupils and tackle any discrimination promptly. The curriculum for Christian religious education is prevalent in all areas of 20–21 February 2019 school. Pupils say that staff frequently remind them of the importance of the school‟s Christian values. However, promotion of pupils‟ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and fundamental British values is not as effective. As a result, pupils lack secure knowledge of world faiths and democracy. Some pupils are unable to manage their feelings and behaviour well. While many parents hold positive views about the school, a large proportion of parents
p.3
Effectiveness of leadership and management Requires improvement
expressed concerns about how well staff listen to their concerns and deal with issues. The school‟s management of bullying and effective communication were other areas of concern for some parents. Leaders are aware that there is more work to be done to ensure that all staff consistently follow the systems for recording any behaviour incidents and communicating with parents.
p.4
Governance of the school
Governors are knowledgeable and committed to developing their own effectiveness. They bring a wide range of skills and experience to their roles and carry out regular skills audits. Governors use the findings of these to appoint new governors who possess the relevant skills required. Governors have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in the school and share the determination of the headteacher to improve outcomes for pupils. Governing body minutes show that governors ask challenging questions to check on the impact of leaders‟ actions, particularly regarding outcomes for pupils. However, governors recognise that they do not hold leaders to account regarding attendance information for groups of pupils in the same way. Governors hold school leaders to account for the progress of disadvantaged pupils. They ask relevant questions, contribute effectively to the implementation of the pupil
p.4
Governance of the school
premium strategy and check regularly on the progress that disadvantaged pupils make. However, governors recognise that they need to check that this group of pupils attends school more regularly.
p.4
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. All statutory risk assessments, policies and procedures are in place. All staff and governors have attended up-to-date safeguarding training and are aware of the signs that pupils may be at risk of harm. All record-keeping regarding these cases is detailed and robust. Staff and governors have also completed training to identify pupils at risk from, for example, radicalisation. Pupils say that they feel safe and they are taught how to keep themselves safe. For example, they learn how to ride a bike and cross the road safely. Pupils know the importance of staying safe when using the internet because they receive guidance to support them with this. Pupils say that if they are concerned, they can talk to adults, who will listen and take action to help them. 20–21 February 2019
p.4
Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement
The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is improving steadily, but there is still variability in teaching across the school. Teachers have worked hard to implement the new approaches since the last inspection in May 2018. As a result, improvements can be seen in the way pupils present their work and the quality of their handwriting. Teachers generally have high expectations of what they want pupils to learn. The work that is set, particularly in mathematics, is now better matched to the pupils‟ abilities. However, the expectations set for pupils‟ behaviour for learning are not as high. As a result, in some lessons, there are times when pupils do not concentrate fully on their learning. Teachers and teaching assistants have built strong relationships with pupils, resulting in pupils being confident and enjoying school. Pupils trust adults to help them if they struggle with their work. Teachers organise their classrooms to aid pupils‟ learning,
p.5
Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement
for example, through providing resources and information in wall displays which support pupils. Teachers have raised their expectations of pupils‟ presentation and handwriting. These are of a high standard in pupils‟ books. The school‟s policy on presentation and handwriting is consistently applied, and pupils generally take pride in their work. Learning, particularly in mathematics in key stage 2, is not consistently effective because teachers do not always provide sufficient challenge for the most able pupils. Sometimes, most-able pupils complete their work quickly, then wait for the others to catch up or for adults to provide more work. Similarly, some lower-attaining pupils struggle with the work set and wait for adults to help. Pupils often spend a long time using simple strategies to calculate and are not familiar with the mathematical techniques to support more challenging mathematics. Work in pupils‟ books indicates that since the introduction of new approaches to
p.5
Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement
assessing mathematics, pupils‟ progress has improved. However, too few of the most able pupils are on track to reach the higher standards that are expected of them by the end of key stage 2. Teachers and teaching assistants provide specific support for pupils with SEND or pupils who are disadvantaged. This means that individual pupils or small groups can access learning with their peers within the classroom. This is leading to strong progress for disadvantaged pupils. Progress of pupils with SEND is not as strong. The teaching and assessment of phonics across Reception and key stage 1 are effective. Teachers ensure that pupils have the skills to read words accurately. This is building pupils‟ confidence to become more fluent readers. Adults provide the correct balance of support and challenge to pupils in phonics lessons. Consequently, pupils successfully apply the phonics skills they are acquiring in their reading and
p.5
Personal development and welfare
The school‟s work to promote pupils‟ personal development and welfare requires improvement. Pupils have many opportunities to a carry out a range of leadership roles and responsibilities. For example, pupils talk eagerly about being junior librarians, play leaders, monitors and members of the school council. They undertake their duties competently and enthusiastically. Pupils say that they enjoy the breakfast club. Pupils understand the importance of eating a healthy breakfast or school dinner. They have learned about different food groups in science lessons. Pupils can also explain how physical activity and emotional well-being are important to stay healthy. Pupils access a range of visits and visitors to extend their experiences, including residential visits to outdoor activity centres, visitors from different religious groups and links with the local community. However, too many pupils, when spoken to by
p.6
Personal development and welfare
inspectors, could not articulate what they have learned about a range of faiths in religious education or an understanding of different cultures. They were not clear enough about what constitutes British values. As a result, although pupils state that they should be tolerant and respectful, they are not always able to accomplish this due to a lack of understanding. Pupils say that they appreciate the new approaches to teaching and learning, especially in mathematics. However, pupils are often too reliant on teacher support. There is variability across the school in how well teachers develop pupils‟ understanding of how to be a successful learner. Strong independent skills of children established in early years are not built upon effectively across Years 1 to 6.
p.6
Behaviour
The behaviour of pupils requires improvement. During the inspection, many pupils were well behaved, but low-level disruption also occurred. These instances of disruption were dealt with effectively by adults, but pupils say that this is a frequent occurrence. A significant proportion of parents expressed concern about behaviour. Although the practical management of risk is in place, systems to record behaviour, particularly in dealing with the concerns of parents, are not as thorough and detailed as other record-keeping. Not all staff are involved in the recording of these incidents and information. The school attendance systems are fit for purpose and absences are recorded robustly. Despite leaders‟ actions to improve attendance, too many pupils do not attend school regularly. Pupils‟ attendance rates are below the national average for almost all groups of pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged. The proportion of pupils who have
p.6
Behaviour
received a fixed-term exclusion has risen this academic year, due to incidents of extreme behaviour. Leaders have taken effective action to support the pupils who have received exclusions by working on long-term plans to support them. This includes using alternative provision. 20–21 February 2019 Instances of racist and other prejudicial behaviour are rare. Staff take prompt and appropriate action in these cases. Effective action is taken to liaise with the victims, the perpetrators and their families. Pupils state that they feel safe in school. However, pupils state that instances of bullying take place. Pupils say that they trust adults to help keep them safe and deal with the incidents. Pupils are taught how to stay safe themselves. Pupils and parents voiced concerns that incidents of this kind are too frequent and that they are continuing to happen.
p.6
Outcomes for pupils Requires improvement
Leaders‟ decisive actions to improve the quality of teaching and learning have resulted in an improving trend in attainment and progress by the end of key stage 2 over three years. In 2018, the proportion of Year 6 pupils reaching the expected standards in reading, mathematics and English grammar, punctuation and spelling improved compared to 2017. However, attainment was still below the national average for mathematics. In mathematics and English grammar, punctuation and spelling, very few pupils reached the higher standards of learning. Pupils‟ progress across key stage 2 has been average in reading, writing and mathematics, but lowest in mathematics. Work in current pupils‟ books shows that pupils‟ progress is variable across year groups and different subjects. In 2018, the proportion of key stage 1 pupils reaching the expected standard was above the national average in mathematics, but below for reading and writing. The
p.7
Outcomes for pupils Requires improvement
proportion of pupils reaching the higher standards of learning was above the national average for all three subjects. Disadvantaged pupils make progress that is similar to, and sometimes better than, other pupils. This is because leaders use the pupil premium funding effectively to provide targeted and appropriate support to meet pupils‟ needs. The progress of disadvantaged pupils across key stage 2 has improved in reading and writing over three years. Pupils‟ progress in mathematics for the same period has not been as strong but remains average. Some disadvantaged pupils are absent from school too often, and this prevents them from making better progress. Attainment and progress for pupils with SEND are stronger in reading and writing than in mathematics. Pupils‟ progress is evident over short-term periods. However, the targets set do not consider pupils‟ previous underachievement since the last key stage.
p.7
Outcomes for pupils Requires improvement
This means that pupils‟ progress is not good enough to help them reach the standards expected of them. In 2018, the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check declined. However, pupils made strong progress from their starting points. Current pupils in Year 1 are acquiring a secure knowledge of phonics, with two thirds of pupils already working at the required standard. Almost all pupils in Year 2 reach the standard expected of them before entering key stage 2. 20–21 February 2019
p.7
Early years provision Good
Children in Reception get off to a good start. Staff are skilled at assessing what the children can do well and where they need to improve. Staff use this information carefully to adapt the learning activities to meet children‟s needs. Staff have created a vibrant and purposeful learning environment where children can develop their curiosity, social skills and independence, which leads to strong progress for children. For example, during the inspection, an inspector observed children self- selecting a range of resources to set up their own activities. Children demonstrated strong independent skills when organising the activity, taking turns, sharing resources and then tidying up. Most children enter Reception with skills below those typical for their age, particularly in social and emotional skills, reading, writing and number. Children, including those who are disadvantaged, make good progress in all areas of learning. By the end of
p.8
Early years provision Good
Reception, the proportion of children attaining, and exceeding, a good level of development is at least in line with national averages. The quality of teaching across the early years is good. Staff have forged strong relationships with children, and the children demonstrate pride and excitement in their environment. Strong teaching and incisive questioning by adults in the rich learning environment is enabling children to develop secure speaking, reading, writing and mathematical skills. Children make a smooth transition from Reception to key stage 1. Staff from Reception and Year 1 work together effectively to ensure that the Year 1 curriculum is adapted to meet the children‟s needs. This is particularly successful for pupils who enter Year 1 without attaining a good level of development. Leaders ensure that all safeguarding and early years welfare requirements are met. Parents of children in Reception say that their children are safe. Children participate
p.8
Early years provision Good
confidently in play, where they are confident to take risks. In these activities they develop a range of skills, but also manage risks to keep themselves safe. For example, during the inspection, children were observed building a wooden bridge with crates, wooden planks and ladders. After they had carefully created their structure, they tentatively tested that it would hold their weight before they walked across it. Parents of children in the early years are overwhelmingly positive about their children‟s experiences. They speak highly of communication between home and school, approachability of the staff and effective support for children when they join Reception. They also appreciate the many opportunities for parental involvement. One parent commented, „I am impressed by the “stay and learn” and “maths café” sessions. I can work in partnership with the school to help my child‟s development and ensure I am
p.8
Early years provision Good
taking a similar approach.‟ 20–21 February 2019
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School details
This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.
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School details
Appropriate authority The governing body
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Information about this school
This school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Most pupils are White British. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils eligible for the pupil premium is average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average. The school offers a breakfast club and a range of other sessions before school. The school also offers a range of clubs and activities after school. The school is designated as having a religious character and received a section 48 inspection in March 2017. The local authority brokered support for the school in the form of partnership working from two headteacher colleagues. 20–21 February 2019
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Information about this inspection
Inspectors observed teaching and learning in all classes. In many of these sessions, the headteacher accompanied them. The quality of pupils‟ work in a wide range of subjects and in all classes across the school was scrutinised. Inspectors observed behaviour in lessons, at breaktimes, in and around the school and in the dining hall. The lead inspector spoke to members of the governing body, the school improvement partner from the local authority and the assistant director from the Church of England Diocese of York. Inspectors considered the 88 responses to Ofsted‟s online survey, Parent View, and 57 parents‟ free-text responses. Inspectors also considered 15 responses to the staff questionnaires. There were no responses to the pupil survey. Inspectors met with parents at the start of the school day on both inspection days. Inspectors listened to pupils read in key stages 1 and 2 and observed the teaching of
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Information about this inspection
phonics in Reception and Years 1 and 2. Inspectors met with groups of pupils to listen to their views about the school. The views of the other pupils were gathered during lessons and at lunchtime. A range of documentation was examined, including a summary of the school‟s self- evaluation, the school development plan, safeguarding information, behaviour logs, attendance documentation, pupil premium documents, sports premium documents, the school‟s assessment information and governing body meeting minutes.
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Inspection team
Alison Aitchison, lead inspector Her Majesty‟s Inspector
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Inspection team
Rebecca Clayton Ofsted Inspector 20–21 February 2019 guidance 'Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . 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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Inspection team
In the report, 'disadvantaged pupils' refers to those pupils who attract government pupil premium funding: pupils claiming free school meals at any point in the last six years and pupils in care or who left care through adoption or another formal route. www.gov.uk/pupil-premium-information-for-schools-and- alternative-provision-settings .
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Inspection team
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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Inspection team
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.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted .
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Inspection team
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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.
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Inspection team
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Inspection team
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Inspection team
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Inspection team
T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted
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