Yerbury Primary School

Yerbury Primary School Inspection report

p.1

100429 Unique Reference Number Islington Local Authority 276307 Inspection number 28 °29 June 2006 Inspection dates Tusha Chakraborti 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 Community School category 3 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

p.1

The governing body Appropriate authority Mr Archie Onslow Chair Mrs Mary Gibson Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Foxham Road School address London N19 4RR

p.1

02072726580 Telephone number 02072813482 Fax number

p.1

3 °11 Age group 28 °29 June 2006 Inspection dates 276307 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 three Additional Inspectors.

p.3

Description of the school

Yerbury is a much larger than average primary school. It serves a socially, culturally and ethnically diverse area. Approximately 40% of pupils come from different ethnic groups. Over 20% of pupils speak English as an additional language and very few are at an early stage of learning English. The percentage of pupils with learning difficulties is below average and so is the percentage eligible for free school meals. Attainment on admission is average.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 7 Inspection Report: Yerbury Primary School, 28 °29 June 2006

p.3

What the school should do to improve further

* Ensure that marking always helps pupils to improve their work.

p.4

Grade:

The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding and promotes excellent academic and personal development. This is because teachers are very skilful and consistent in providing pupils with challenging work to ensure that they are able to reach the highest possible standards. Pupils appreciate their teachers' efforts to raise their standards. One pupil commented 'Our teachers are very good at challenging us to work hard.' Teachers have very high expectations of their pupils' standards and behaviour and deliver the school's project-based curriculum very effectively to engage pupils in their learning. Teaching assistants have undertaken very extensive training and support pupils' learning very well, especially those with learning difficulties and those at an early stage of learning English. Teachers use computers and interactive whiteboards very effectively to support pupils' learning in all areas. This enhances their independent learning

p.4

Grade:

skills significantly. Excellent teaching in the Foundation Stage ensures that children develop their social and independent learning skills rapidly. Assessment procedures are well established and used very effectively to promote learning. There are good examples of marking to improve pupils' work but this is inconsistent.

p.4

Grade:

The school provides an outstanding curriculum that goes significantly beyond statutory requirements and enables pupils of all abilities to progress and develop very well. The school makes very good provision to develop pupils' literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. Its project-based curriculum provides very effectively for the academic and personal development of all pupils. In a Year 2 assembly, where the project had been on Rain Forests, pupils presented their work to peers and parents, demonstrating the good connections between their work in different subjects. Circle time and drama are used well to help pupils deal with worries and problems. The school's creative arts curriculum is very strong. The investment the school makes in its music provision leads to excellent progress by pupils. This is reflected both in lessons and in musical performances in assemblies. Pupils have a wide range of clubs to go to after school,

p.4

Grade:

covering sports, arts and other activities. These receive high levels of participation from all groups of pupils. The school effectively monitors both the quality of this provision and the take-up of different groups to ensure equality of access. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Yerbury Primary School, 28 °29 June 2006

p.4

Grade:

The school provides outstanding care, guidance and support for its pupils. It has a thorough knowledge of the needs of all pupils. Consequently, it provides a very positive learning environment in which pupils reach high standards and develop extremely good personal skills. Pupils' progress is monitored rigorously and the school is very effective in supporting the progress of all pupils, including those with learning difficulties and those from different ethnic backgrounds. The school undertakes thorough risk assessments for all activities and visits. Pupils are encouraged to lead healthy lifestyles. Procedures for child protection are securely established and staff receive annual training to ensure pupils' safety. Induction procedures are very well established and new entrants are provided with 'buddies' to ensure that they settle quickly. Transition to secondary school is managed very well. The overwhelming majority of

p.5

Grade:

parents are very happy with the care shown to their children and the progress that they make.

p.5

Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Yerbury Primary School, 28 °29 June 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: Yerbury Primary School, 28 °29 June 2006

p.6

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Pupils We would like to thank you for your help when we visited your school. We enjoyed talking to you, and watching you work. You told us that you really enjoy coming to school and think that it is very good. We are pleased to tell you that we agree with you. Yerbury is an outstanding school and provides you with high quality education. You have excellent opportunities to develop your skills in all subjects, because you have very creative and exciting things to do. You receive excellent teaching so you learn very well. Your teachers and other staff take great care of you and make sure that your work is challenging. You try hard to get things right, and show great interest and enthusiasm, so you achieve high standards. We know that your headteacher and all other staff do an excellent job in organising the school's work to help you to achieve so well. We were very impressed by your very positive attitudes to learning, your excellent behaviour and

p.7

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

your willingness to concentrate on your work. We know that you understand the importance of staying safe and healthy and take part in the wide range of physical activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your school is always looking for ways to get even better. We have agreed with your teachers that they should put greater emphasis on explaining to you how you can improve your work even more. We are confident that you will continue to work hard and will carry on achieving very well in all areas of the curriculum.With best wishes Yours sincerely, Tusha Chakraborti Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Yerbury Primary School, 28 °29 June 2006

p.7