St Patrick's Catholic Primary School

St Patrick's Catholic Primary School Inspection report

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100173 Unique Reference Number Greenwich Local Authority 276265 Inspection number 23 °24 November 2005 Inspection dates Michael Pye Reporting inspector

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

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Primary Type of school Voluntary aided School category 3 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

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The governing body Appropriate authority Reverend Father Anthony Plummer Chair Mr O P Folkes Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Griffin Road School address Plumstead London SE18 7QG

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02088543881 Telephone number 02088559288 Fax number

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3 °11 Age group 23 °24 November 2005 Inspection dates 276265 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.

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by three additional inspectors.

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Description of the school

A larger than normal sized primary school, St Patrick's serves the local community. There is a wide variety of housing. It is committed to providing a good educational experience that reflects Christian values. Pupils are predominantly white British, although there is a sizeable proportion from Black African backgrounds. The number of pupils whose first language is not English is well above average. The numbers of pupils entitled to free school meals is also well above average. The school has the Investor in People Award, the Inclusion Chartermark and the Arts Mark Silver award.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 7 Inspection Report: St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, 23 °24 November 2005

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What the school should do to improve further

* Improving standards of writing especially for higher attainers* Establishing consistency in teaching particularly with regard to target setting and marking

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Grade:

Teaching and learning are good overall, and there is no unsatisfactory teaching. Where outstanding teaching was seen pupils' attention was held by lively, confident presentations by teachers. This reflected the care and thought teachers put into planning lessons that are interesting and well structured. Learning is encouraged by skilful questioning, and pupils are able to concentrate because teachers manage their behaviour well. However, the quality of teaching is inconsistent. In the few satisfactory lessons the tasks were generally well matched to pupils' abilities, although expectations of more able pupils' writing, for example, were not always high enough. Pupils' progress would benefit from more consistent approaches to marking and setting targets for improvement.Pupils with learning difficulties make good progress because of the very good teaching and support in lessons. Teachers make a point of developing

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Grade:

pupils' spoken language, including specific vocabulary for subjects such as mathematics and science. This helps pupils whose first language is not English, and along with the well targeted support that they receive, contributes to their good progress.

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Grade:

The curriculum is good. Planning is well organised so that all subjects are covered well. Teachers are beginning to develop the links between subjects so that pupils appreciate the relevance of what they are learning. For example, pupils studying census data as part of their history work use mathematical and information and communication technology skills. The curriculum is enriched by a good range of special events such as science weeks, book fairs and multicultural days. Visits also make learning fun. The Years 5 and 6 residential journeys offer children good opportunities to learn about contrasting localities. They also promote co-operation and personal development. Pupils enjoy a sound range of extra-curricular clubs, particularly sports and music. Indeed music is a real strength. Many pupils learn instruments or sing and enjoy opportunities to take part in festivals and concerts. Very good provision for pupils with learning difficulties

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Grade:

means support can be carefully targeted and this contributes significantly to pupils' progress. The Early Year's curriculum is good. In the nursery, for instance, a broad range of exciting and practical experiences give children good opportunities to develop their language skills. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, 23 °24 November 2005

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Care is central to the Catholic ethos of the school. Overall, pupils benefit from good care, guidance and support, and consequently pupils feel safe and secure at school. They especially value the guidance that staff provide in helping them to overcome their personal difficulties. All pupils, including those who are vulnerable and those with learning difficulties and disabilities are given outstanding social guidance. For example, in the 'Place to Be' counselling group a pupil commented, 'It changed my life and mended it'.The school works well with outside agencies and parents to ensure the safety, care and well-being of pupils. This helps pupils to make good overall progress. Child protection procedures are effective.The school correctly identified that pupils need more guidance about how they might improve their work. Good procedures are developing. However, assessment information is not always used to plan pupils' learning on a

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Grade:

daily basis. Not all pupils know how to improve their work so that they make even better progress.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, 23 °24 November 2005 .

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Grade:

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 of 7 Inspection Report: St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, 23 °24 November 2005

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Thank you for your warm welcome when we visited your school. We really enjoyed talking to you and listened carefully to what you told us. We liked these things the most:* That you told us you enjoy life in school and behave well* That you work hard and learn new things quicker than pupils in many other schools* That you told us that you can discuss any worries with an adult, and that this helps you and changes how you feel* That many of you do well at science* That you get along so well with adults and other pupils* That you showed us how much you enjoy music We have asked your school to work on these things now:* To help all of you to write better* That all of you are given more advice about how you can do even better work Best wishes Michael Pye Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, 23 °24 November 2005

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