Pakeman Primary School

Pakeman Primary School Inspection report

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100418 Unique Reference Number Islington Local Authority 276305 Inspection number 22 °23 May 2006 Inspection dates Olson Davis 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 Community 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 Ms Katie Murray Chair Mr Chris Harrison Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Hornsey Road School address London N7 6DU

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020 7607 2575 Telephone number 020 7609 8147 Fax number

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3 °11 Age group 22 °23 May 2006 Inspection dates 276305 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

This is an average size Primary school, with nursery provision, serving a culturally diverse population in an area of high social disadvantage. The percentage of pupils entitled to free school meals is well above average. The proportion identified with learning difficulties and disabilities is greater than in most schools. The percentage of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is well above average, with pupils from White, Asian and Black heritage amongst the main groups represented. The proportion of pupils learning English as an additional language is also well above average. The proportion of pupils joining or leaving the school other than at normal times is above that found in most schools. Staff turnover has been high and the school has had five headteachers since the last inspection. The current headteacher has been in post for two years.

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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: Pakeman Primary School, 22 °23 May 2006

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What the school should do to improve further

* Ensure that the work planned in mathematics and science more closely matches the needs of pupils of differing ability.* Keep a closer check on the impact of new initiatives and the progress of priorities in the school improvement plan.

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Grade:

Teaching and learning are satisfactory. The quality of the teaching varies between subjects. Teaching in English is good and effective training and support for teachers have brought about significant improvements. The same attention has not been given to other subjects. English lessons have pace and rigour that engage pupils in effective learning. The teachers' good use of questioning helps pupils to give extended explanations, deepening their understanding. Where lessons are good teachers plan interesting activities that are matched well to pupils' different abilities. Pupils respond well to these tasks and enjoy their learning. Teaching in mathematics and science does not share the energetic pace seen in English. Expectations of learning are too low and day to day assessments do not always result in work that is well matched to pupils' needs. As a result some pupils find the work too easy whilst others find it too difficult,

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Grade:

slowing their progress. Teachers generally make effective use of their interactive whiteboards to enliven their teaching and capture the interest of pupils. Teaching assistants working with pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities give effective support enabling pupils to make satisfactory progress.

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Grade:

Over the past two years the school has successfully concentrated on raising standards in English and increasing the progress made by pupils. Whilst there is relevant coverage of the mathematics and science curriculum, experiences in these and other subjects have been less extensive. The planning does not build on what the pupils have learned previously and there are limited opportunities for pupils to use their numeracy skills across the curriculum. The school is aware of this and is taking relevant action, for example, a new 'excellence and enjoyment' team has been established and is working well on improving the links between subjects. The Foundation Stage curriculum is planned effectively and includes good provision for personal, social and health education. The curriculum is enriched by a good range of extra-curricular activities and clubs. Together with the Breakfast Club and after school Play Centre, they enhance

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Grade:

4 of 7 Inspection Report: Pakeman Primary School, 22 °23 May 2006 learning well and provide opportunities for pupils to work in teams. This contributes well to their social development.

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Grade:

Good care, guidance and support have resulted in a calm and purposeful ethos where achievement is celebrated in a caring and supportive environment. Pupils say that they feel safe in school and any bullying is usually dealt with well. Parents confirm this and the vast majority are confident that their children are well cared for. The school's efforts have been successful in improving pupils' punctuality and in making sure that attendance is satisfactory. Pupils say that they are confident that there is always an adult they can talk to if anything is worrying them. There are good systems for child protection and staff awareness is high. Procedures to ensure that the premises are safe are good and risk assessments are carried out for all school visits. Visits from, for example, the fire service and police help the pupils to understand risks and how to deal with them. Good support for pupils learning English as an additional language helps

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Grade:

them to make good progress. Those who have learning difficulties and disabilities receive appropriate support to meet their particular needs. The school has introduced curriculum and general class targets but, apart from those set for pupils with learning difficulties, there are no individual pupil targets to show them more clearly how they might improve.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Pakeman Primary School, 22 °23 May 2006 .

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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: Pakeman Primary School, 22 °23 May 2006

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Pupils We enjoyed our visit to your school and would like to thank you for making us so welcome. You were very friendly and we enjoyed talking with you. We were impressed by how much you like your school. Your school provides you with a satisfactory education. These are some of the things that your school does well: * You do well in English because your teachers are good at teaching this subject.* You work hard and enjoy the many interesting activities the school provides for you.* You feel safe and you are well cared for by the adults in school. * Your teachers help you to learn how to take responsibility.* You behave well.* The Pupil Parliament gives you the opportunity to have your say. It has already helped to improve play-times by asking for more play equipment. We have asked the staff and governors to work on the following to make your school even better for you:* To help you do better in mathematics and science.* To keep a more careful

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

eye on how well things are going when they try to improve the school to make sure that the improvements are actually happening throughout the school.We hope that you will continue to enjoy your school. We also hope that you will help your teachers as they try to make your school even better for you. Yours sincerely Olson Davis Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Pakeman Primary School, 22 °23 May 2006

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