Christ Church Primary School, Hampstead

Christ Church Primary School Inspection report

p.1

100028 Unique Reference Number Camden Local Authority 276238 Inspection number 27 °28 April 2006 Inspection dates Gordon Ewing Reporting inspector

p.1

This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.

p.1

Primary Type of school Voluntary aided School category 4 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

p.1

The governing body Appropriate authority Mr Geoffrey Palmer Chair Mrs Linda Carter Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Hampstead School address Christ Church Hill NW3 1JH

p.1

02074351361 Telephone number 02077945148 Fax number

p.1

4 °11 Age group 27 °28 April 2006 Inspection dates 276238 Inspection number .

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

Introduction

The inspection was carried out by two Additional Inspectors.

p.3

Description of the school

The school is smaller than average. It draws pupils from a wide area with a significant number from socially advantaged backgrounds. The majority of pupils have White British heritage and 25% speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities is below the national average. The number of pupils entitled to free school meals is well below average. A significant proportion of the teaching staff has changed in the last two years. The school site is very cramped and space is at a premium.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 7 Inspection Report: Christ Church Primary School, 27 °28 April 2006

p.3

What the school should do to improve further

* to refine target setting of pupils' learning and to track more effectively their progress over time.

p.4

Grade:

Teaching and learning are good overall. This mirrors the school's own judgement. Lessons seen during the inspection varied from satisfactory to outstanding. The outstanding pupil attitudes and behaviour and the excellent support of the school leadership contribute significantly to the impact of teaching on the standards achieved. Teachers plan their lessons very thoroughly and ensure that activities are matched to the needs of different pupils. Teachers make lessons enjoyable. For example, in an English lesson, pupils delighted in preparing and performing poems for the whole class. Good use is made of interactive whiteboards to demonstrate and explain difficult concepts, for example in science. In most classes staff have very good control and relationships are friendly and support learning. Pupils are frequently encouraged to evaluate their own work and that of others and consider the next steps in their learning and this is helping them develop as

p.4

Grade:

independent learners. Support staff promote pupils' learning very effectively, particularly those with learning difficulties. However, there are some inconsistencies in teaching. Occasional variation in the pace of lessons and the effectiveness of behaviour management, can mean that some pupils do not always listen attentively or concentrate as well as they might. Teachers' marking is often very thorough and helps pupils see how to improve their work. However, this is not consistent throughout the school.

p.4

Grade:

The curriculum is outstanding: broad, balanced and relevant to pupils' needs. A very well planned blend of topic work and an effective programme of literacy, mathematics and science teaching results in very high standards. The school is rightly proud of its creative work. Additional funding has been used to ensure that pupils have rich opportunities to work with artists, musicians, actors and dancers. These all make a significant contribution to the overall development of every child and help to make school a very enjoyable experience. Music is a particular strength of the school and many pupils become accomplished and confident performers.Numerous visits to places of worship, museums and other places of interest significantly enrich the curriculum. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Christ Church Primary School, 27 °28 April 2006 A very good range of extra-curricular activities also provides additional opportunities for pupils

p.4

Grade:

to learn new skills and work together. The school's programme for personal, social and health education and special events such as Citizenship Week and Black History Month develop pupils' understanding of the wider world and help them become mature and responsible young citizens.

p.5

Grade:

The school provides excellent care, guidance and support. Each and every pupil is known, valued and supported by staff. Pupils' welfare is given a high priority and the very good level of adult supervision helps pupils feel safe and secure. The arrangements for child protection are very good. Procedures for ensuring pupils' health and safety are good. The school works very hard to ensure that pupils understand how to live a safe and healthy life, and has been successful in gaining the Healthy Schools' award. There are good procedures for assessment. Most teachers ensure that pupils evaluate their own learning and consider the next steps they need to take to improve their work. Pupils' progress is carefully tracked, but procedures are not sufficiently systematic to ensure that targets are clearly understood by all pupils and frequently monitored and updated. The school is aware of this and has plans to improve its systems. Pupils with learning difficulties and

p.5

Grade:

disabilities are very well supported through various interventions and their progress is very closely monitored. This contributes significantly to the outstanding progress they make.

p.5

Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Christ Church Primary School, 27 °28 April 2006 .

p.5

Grade:

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 of 7 Inspection Report: Christ Church Primary School, 27 °28 April 2006

p.6

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Pupils You will remember that we visited your school recently for two days. I am writing, on behalf of the inspectors, to tell you what we found out about your school. We would like to thank you for making us feel very welcome and for talking to us about your school. We were very impressed with the comments you made and it is very clear that you think very highly of your school and that you enjoy your learning enormously. The things we think that are special about your school are:* The good progress you make through the school and the outstanding results you achieve by the end of Year 6.* The school is very well led by Mrs Carter and her staff and they clearly work very hard to make it even better for you.* Your school provides you with lots of very interesting and exciting things to do, including after-school clubs, arts activities and visits. * The adults in school look after you and help and support you as you grow. You told us that you feel safe and happy in school and

p.7

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

that you know the adults will always help you if you are upset or worried. * The school helps you develop into courteous, considerate and motivated young people.* This is a very happy school and your parents and carers speak highly of it. We think your school could be even better if your teachers: ‡ improve how they set your targets for learning and check on these regularly so that you make even more progress over time.We are confident that you will continue to enjoy life in your outstanding school and that you will continue to help your teachers as much as you can. Yours sincerely Gordon Ewing Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Christ Church Primary School, 27 °28 April 2006

p.7