Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School

Sacred Heart RC Primary School Inspection report

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100437 Unique Reference Number Islington Local Authority 276310 Inspection number 23 °24 May 2006 Inspection dates Bernice Magson 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 Dr Paul Lasok Chair Mr John Lane Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection 68 Georges Road School address Holloway London N7 8JN

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02076073407 Telephone number 02076074906 Fax number

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3 °11 Age group 23 °24 May 2006 Inspection dates 276310 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 Catholic primary school is situated in the Holloway district of London. The school is bigger than most primary schools. Some pupils are taught in mixed-age classes. The school is ethnically diverse although the majority of pupils are of White British or Black African origin. Other than English, the main languages spoken are Spanish, Tigrinya and Portuguese. A few pupils are at an early stage of language acquisition. When children start school most are working below expected levels, particularly in language and communication. A minority of pupils have learning difficulties or disabilities, including three pupils with a statement of special educational need. The school offers an extended service in the form of a daily breakfast club.

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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: Sacred Heart RC Primary School, 23 °24 May 2006

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What the school should do to improve further

* Provide more able pupils in Years 1 and 2 with sufficiently challenging work. * Improve marking and target setting so that pupils have a better understanding of how to improve.

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Grade:

Teaching and learning are good. The most effective teaching is in the Foundation Stage and Years 3 to 6. Where teaching is best, imaginatively devised approaches to learning are thoroughly planned and, as a result, pupils respond positively and move forward effectively in their learning. A brisk pace engages pupils appropriately. Teachers' subject knowledge is good. They place a strong emphasis on discussions where pupils are encouraged to explore new ideas. Pupils are confident and are developing well as independent learners, because good relationships are built between pupils, teachers and carefully deployed support staff. This well-focused support ensures rapid learning is maintained for those pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities, those learning English as an additional language and the gifted and talented. Where teaching is less successful, tasks are not matched sufficiently to pupils' needs and there is lack of challenge

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Grade:

for more able pupils. This is particularly evident in Years 1 and 2. Pupils learn at a slower pace because there is not enough clarity in the sharing of lesson objectives. The quality of marking is inconsistent across the school. It does not always confirm to pupils what they need to do in order to improve their work and personal targets are not used effectively to move learning forward.

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Grade:

The curriculum is good. It is broad, balanced and includes a good emphasis on physical, social and health education. A comprehensive understanding of economic well-being is confirmed in the work completed for the Catholic charity, CAFOD. In addition, pupils pursue a wide range of enrichment activities over the school year. Residential and day visits support learning appropriately whilst visitors into school enhance pupils' knowledge. From Year 1 onwards, there are many out-of-school activities to interest pupils and extend their knowledge and social skills. After school sports clubs are very well attended and develop pupils' physical skills effectively. Well devised intervention programmes are planned for pupils' with learning difficulties and second language needs. Children in the Foundation Stage have a curriculum that meets their 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Sacred Heart RC Primary School, 23 °24 May 2006

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Grade:

needs very effectively. Resources are plentiful and interactive whiteboards and computer facilities add another dimension to pupils' learning.

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Grade:

Care, guidance and support are good. Parents are very appreciative of how well the needs of their children are identified and addressed. There are effective procedures for child protection, risk assessments and securing the health and safety of pupils. Good supervision contributes to the good behaviour outdoors and around the school, although the playground for Years 3 to 6 has limited facilities for non-sporting activities or quiet reflection. Support for pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities is a strength. Individual education plans are comprehensive and closely monitored. Assessments and targeted support are used well to enable these pupils to make good progress. Pupils who speak English as an additional language receive good support and achieve as well as they can. The good link with external agencies is having a positive impact on support in the classroom. Assessment systems for tracking pupils' personal and academic development are rigorous. The school effectively supports

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Grade:

parents and pupils in the preparation for transfer to secondary school.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Sacred Heart RC Primary School, 23 °24 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: Sacred Heart RC Primary School, 23 °24 May 2006

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Children Thank you for being so welcoming and friendly during our visit to your school. We enjoyed meeting you and hearing about the exciting activities in which you are involved. We think that you have a good school. These are the things we liked most. * You enjoy school and are eager to learn.* In lessons you listen well and are keen to join in discussions.* You are achieving good standards.* You show good respect for the values and traditions of others.* You give good support to CAFOD and other charities. To help your school improve and become even better, we have asked your teachers to:* Help you understand what to do next so that you learn as quickly as possible.* Ensure that the more able pupils in Years 1 and 2 are challenged to do their best. Yours sincerely, Bernice Magson Lead inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Sacred Heart RC Primary School, 23 °24 May 2006

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