Christ Church School

100029 Unique Reference Number Camden Local Authority 276239 Inspection number 6 °7 July 2006 Inspection dates Nick Butt 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 3 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

p.1

The governing body Appropriate authority Mr Andrew Dowell Chair Ms Paula Aitcheson - Walker (Acting) Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Redhill Street School address London NW1 4BD

p.1

02073877881 Telephone number 02073883646 Fax number

p.1

3 °11 Age group 6 °7 July 2006 Inspection dates 276239 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

This average sized school serves an urban area near Euston Station. Two thirds of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds, the largest groups being Bangladeshi and Black African. Three fifths of pupils speak English as an additional language. The school draws pupils mainly from two housing estates with high levels of overcrowding. One third of pupils are eligible for free school meals, much higher than is found in most schools. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities is around average. The school has the Investors in People Award. At the time of the inspection the school had an acting headteacher pending the appointment of a new permanent one.

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 School, 6 °7 July 2006

p.3

What the school should do to improve further

* Provide sufficient challenge to enable all the more able pupils to attain high standards. * Increase the curriculum time given to physical education.

p.4

Grade:

Teaching and learning are good. Pupils enjoy learning and make good progress. Relationships are warm, positive and encouraging and teachers make their lessons interesting and fun. Younger pupils particularly enjoyed discussing a range of pictures and preparing 'reports' on the life of Crimean War heroine Mary Seacole. Although most pupils make good progress, those who find learning easier are not always sufficiently challenged and their progress is satisfactory. Boys have made better progress in writing this year because teaching has focussed on motivating them and allowing sufficient time for them to grasp and develop[s2] their ideas. Planning is detailed, thorough and flexible. Resources are attractive, good quality and used well. Teachers use their accurate knowledge of how well pupils are progressing to adapt their lessons to meet their needs. The way pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities are identified and supported

p.4

Grade:

is outstanding. Pupils who speak English as an additional language are taught well and in ways that help them to learn quickly.

p.4

Grade:

The curriculum is good. It is broad and balanced and meets all statutory requirements. Teachers are flexible and creative and generally adapt the curriculum well to meet the needs and interests of individual pupils. However, more able pupils are not always challenged or extended sufficiently. Pupils benefit greatly from the flexibility of laptop computers, which are used well to promote skills in information and communication technology and other subjects. There are some good links between subjects, especially in English and mathematics. For example, Year 3 pupils used Venn diagrams to compare and contrast story characters. Too little time is allocated to physical education so that progress is only satisfactory despite good teaching. The curriculum is well enriched by many enjoyable experiences that draw well on local resources, such as visits to museums and galleries, residential trips, visitors and after school clubs. These successfully

p.4

Grade:

extend pupils' learning and build up their self confidence. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Christ Church School, 6 °7 July 2006

p.4

Grade:

Care, guidance and support are good. The school's caring ethos contributes well to pupils' good progress, personal development and enjoyment. Relationships throughout the school are warm, positive and encouraging. One pupil said, 'There is always a good rapport with staff'. The identification and support of pupils who are vulnerable or have learning difficulties and disabilities are outstanding. These pupils benefit greatly from effective and diligent leadership and management. Pupils are generally taught well about healthy lifestyles, but this is hampered by a lack of time for physical education. Systems for ensuring pupils safety and protection are effective but some training in this area needs renewing. Pupils are well informed about their progress and the next steps for learning. This is achieved through effective discussion with teachers and the successful use of marking, which has improved markedly since the last

p.5

Grade:

inspection. Pupils who learn English as an additional language are well supported[s3].

p.5

Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Christ Church School, 6 °7 July 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 School, 6 °7 July 2006

p.6

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Pupils Thank you very much for making us so welcome at your school. We did enjoy visiting. We were very impressed with your outstanding behaviour and way that you all care for one another so well. It is a good school and going from strength to strength.There are many things that are good about your school, and here are some of them:* The good progress you make as you move through the school.* The good teaching, which makes lessons interesting and fun.* The way the school council helps to improve playground games and tells the teachers what you think.* The artwork around the school, and the wonderful singing.* The way the school has a strong set of Christian values that you all respect.* The outstanding provision for those of you who find work more difficult.* The happy atmosphere in the school, and the way everybody is well cared for. We don't think there's much wrong with your school, but we do feel that those of you who

p.7

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

find work easier could be given more challenging things to do. We also think you don't get enough physical education lessons. We know you did lots of dancing on the day we were in, but that only happens on one day a year! Your teachers welcome your ideas, so see if you can work with them to fit in more PE, especially as we know you want to become a Healthy School. Many thanks once again for letting us know your views and for being so friendly. Your school is very special and the staff work very hard to make it like that. Yours sincerely Mr. N. Butt Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Christ Church School, 6 °7 July 2006

p.7