St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School

St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School Inspection report

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100357 Unique Reference Number Hammersmith and Fulham Local Authority 276294 Inspection number 17 °18 October 2005 Inspection dates Andrew Howe 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 4 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

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The governing body Appropriate authority Father Norbert Fernandes Chair Mrs Angela Rundle Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Estcourt Road School address Fulham London SW6 7HB

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02073858165 Telephone number 02073850918 Fax number

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4 °11 Age group 17 °18 October 2005 Inspection dates 276294 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

St. Thomas of Canterbury is a larger than average primary school. The great majority of children come from Roman Catholic families. The proportion of pupils receiving free school meals is above average. The local area is one of social deprivation. The great majority of children come from ethnic groups other than white British and about half do not have English as their first language. There are 28 different languages spoken in the school. Many speak Portuguese. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties is above average. The school has Investors in People status. Improvements, including the provision of a new hall, have been made recently to the accommodation that dates from 1848.

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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 Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School, 17 °18 October 2005

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What the school should do to improve further

* Improve the quality of teaching to that of the best teachers.* Raise pupils' achievements in mathematics.* Improve provision for outdoor learning in the Foundation Stage.

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Grade:

The school rates the quality of teaching and learning as satisfactory and inspectors agree. All teachers develop good relationships with pupils and manage behaviour well. A good working atmosphere is achieved in all classrooms. Detailed assessment helps pupils and teachers plan the next steps in learning in many lessons. Lively teaching often helps to keep pupils listening and learning. In some lessons, work is carefully matched to pupils' needs but this is not always the case, particularly for the more able in mathematics. Good lessons seen were also characterised by rapid pace, open questioning and an awareness that children learn in different ways. Teaching pupils in groups according to their ability is used effectively, especially in English, providing a high level of support both for those with learning difficulties and for those whose first language is not English. Generally, good use is made of support assistants to enhance the achievements

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Grade:

of pupils with learning difficulties. Some teaching although satisfactory is not rigorous enough to accelerate learning and limits achievement. Teachers do not always demonstrate clearly what they wish pupils to do. Marking, although thorough and positive, does not help pupils understand what they need to do to improve their work.

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Grade:

The curriculum is good. Some creative links are made between subjects. For instance, study of the 'Diary of Anne Frank' enables the school to bring together aspects of history and literacy. Special weeks, such as 'Book Week', also enthuse pupils. The school is developing the curriculum to meet the needs of its pupils, and has a well-developed personal, social and health education programme. This involves discussion during circle time, and includes attention to sex and relationships education and to drugs awareness. A notable strength is the range of extra-curricular activities, which include opportunities to play a range of sports. Good opportunities are also provided for music making. Provision to support the above average number of pupils with learning difficulties, and those for whom English is an additional language, is good. The area for outdoor learning for children in the Foundation Stage is unwelcoming.

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Grade:

Its use to enhance learning is not planned for fully. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School, 17 °18 October 2005

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Grade:

The school works well with parents and outside agencies to support pupils. All staff are very approachable. Parents are given good quality information about their children's progress and the curriculum. There is very effective induction and ongoing support for pupils whose first language is not English. A particularly positive feature is the number of staff who speak a range of languages, so that pupils are communicated with effectively. There are good and effective measures in place to safeguard children's wellbeing and health and safety. Pupils with learning and behavioural difficulties are well catered for. Effective links with the church help to support families in difficulties. Staff know children well and go out of their way to help them to do their best and to promote their health and welfare. Targets are used to guide pupils' learning, but until recently have not been used consistently. As a result, their impact on learning is not yet

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School, 17 °18 October 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 Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School, 17 °18 October 2005

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Thank you for your help during the inspection. We really enjoyed finding out about your school. Everyone was very friendly and made it easy for us to do our job. Here are some of the things that we believe are good:* You enjoy coming to school;* All the adults in the school take good care of you. They keep you safe and teach you how to be healthy; * You learn well in English;* You all work together very well and your behaviour is good;* Your headteacher and other teachers and helpers are trying hard to make the school better;* Your parents and many of you think the school is doing a good job. We believe there are some things that the school could do better:* Make all lessons as good as the best.* Help you learn faster in mathematics.* Improve the outdoor area for the children in the Reception classes so that it is a pleasant place to learn. 7 of 7 Inspection Report: St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School, 17 °18 October 2005

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