Macaulay Church of England Primary School

Macaulay Church of England Primary School Inspection report

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100612 Unique Reference Number Lambeth Local Authority 276345 Inspection number 18 °19 May 2006 Inspection dates David Benstock 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 Revd David Isherwood Chair Ms Elizabeth Divall Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Victoria Rise School address Clapham London SW4 0NU

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02076221355 Telephone number 02077209378 Fax number

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3 °11 Age group 18 °19 May 2006 Inspection dates 276345 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 two Additional Inspectors.

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Description of the school

Macaulay Primary School is a voluntary aided Church of England school in Clapham. The school is about the same size as other primary schools and is heavily oversubscribed. Pupils are from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. Although the percentage whose first language is not English is above average, very few are at an early stage of learning English. A significant number of pupils join the school at other than the usual time. The social and economic circumstances of families are broadly average. The percentage of pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities is above average but the number with a statement of special educational need is similar to most schools. The school has gained Investors in People status, been awarded the Basic Skills Quality Mark, Department for Education and Science (DFES) awards for improvement and most recently the Silver Artsmark 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: Macaulay Church of England Primary School, 18 °19 May 2006

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What the school should do to improve further

* Provide a consistently high level of challenge for more able pupils. * Ensure that pupils use computers more extensively as an integral part of their learning. * Involve governors more fully in the work of the school.

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Grade:

Teaching is good and, as a result, pupils learn well in their lessons. Staff work effectively together and the wide range of pupils' learning needs are generally well met. Planning identifies different challenges for pupils, but strategies to ensure that more able pupils achieve the higher levels of which they are capable are not consistently delivered. Relationships between teachers and pupils are generally excellent. There are examples of outstanding teaching, particularly in the Foundation Stage. Here, teaching assistants help to promote the children's independent learning and ensure that all pupils participate fully. A positive ethos of reward and celebration makes learning fun. Assessment arrangements are good and are used well to monitor pupils' progress and help teacher's planning. Teachers ensure that pupils know how well they are doing and how they can improve. Interactive whiteboards are used very effectively to support pupils' learning, but

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Grade:

teachers do not provide sufficient opportunities for pupils to use computers.

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Grade:

The school's curriculum meets the needs of most pupils and there is a strong focus on personal, social and health education. However, there is insufficient challenge in some of the tasks for the more able pupils. The provision in the Foundation Stage is well organised with an emphasis on learning through play. The curriculum is enhanced well by enrichment activities that increase pupils' enjoyment of education. Many visits take place, including residential courses that build confidence and teamwork, and visitors from the local community work with pupils. Local clergy regularly contribute to assemblies. Parents are actively involved with events such as World Book Day. Extra-curricular clubs are popular, especially in sport. Support with reading is carried out by volunteer adults and a writing club is specifically aimed to boost the standards of gifted and talented pupils. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Macaulay Church of England Primary School, 18 °19 May 2006

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Grade:

The school provides an outstanding level of care, guidance and support that leads to excellent personal development. It carefully considers the learning needs of all pupils, although there is not always enough challenge in the work for those of higher ability. Pupil's personal and academic progress is monitored well, assessed and, increasingly, is used to plan the next stage of development and provide them with good feedback. Parents appreciate the good communication from school. One parent wrote, 'I feel the pastoral care is second to none. The teachers truly care about the welfare of the children; they treat them as individuals and take great care of their personal needs'. The school has created an exceptionally warm, friendly, learning environment in which pupils feel safe and can develop their individual talents. The 'buddy' system of older pupils caring for younger pupils also encourages good manners, good behaviour, and safe and co-operative

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Grade:

play. Pupils say that 'the teachers are kind and friendly' and they like the 'buddies' because 'they listen to us and look after us'. Arrangements for child protection are secure and risk assessments for continued pupil safety are efficiently carried out. The wide range of enrichment opportunities enhances and develops pupils' confidence and independence, and effectively prepares them for their next stage of learning.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Macaulay Church of England Primary School, 18 °19 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: Macaulay Church of England Primary School, 18 °19 May 2006

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Pupils Thank you for being so welcoming and helpful when we visited your school. We enjoyed talking to you and meeting your teachers. Macaulay Church of England Primary School is a good school and has some excellent features. This is what we liked about your school:* You obviously enjoy school and work hard to do well in tests and examinations.* You behave well and give thought to the needs of less fortunate people.* The School Council is enthusiastically working hard on everyone's behalf to draw attention to things that need improving.* The teachers are good, caring and give you a great deal of support if you have problems.* The headteacher and staff work hard to make the school better and improve your achievement.* Your parents are very pleased with the school and frequently help with events. For your school to be even better, we have asked your teachers to give you more opportunities to do work that will help you to achieve as well as you can and for computers to be used more

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

regularly in your lessons. We hope you do well in your time at the school. David Benstock Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Macaulay Church of England Primary School, 18 °19 May 2006

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