Dulwich Village Church of England Infants' School

Dulwich Village Church of England Infants' School Inspection report

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100823 Unique Reference Number Southwark Local Authority 276394 Inspection number 15 °16 November 2005 Inspection dates Christopher Gray 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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Infant Type of school Voluntary aided School category 4 °7 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

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The governing body Appropriate authority Reverend Johnathan Winter Chair Mrs Ali Silke Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Dulwich Village School address London SE21 7AL

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02075259233 Telephone number 02075259235 Fax number

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4 °7 Age group 15 °16 November 2005 Inspection dates 276394 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

The school is of a similar size to most schools. The percentage of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is higher than is found in most schools. No pupil is at the early stages of learning English. Most pupils come from homes whose socio-economic circumstances are favourable. The proportion of pupils entitled to a free school meal is low. The percentage of pupils with learning difficulties is small, though the proportion of pupils with a statement of particular needs is higher than in most schools. Children's attainment on entry to school is above what is expected.The school occupies a split site. The buildings are separated by a distance of 300 yards and a main road. One of its buildings is very old and cramped.

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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: Dulwich Village Church of England Infants' School, 15 °16 November 2005

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What the school should do to improve further

* implement fully the plans to increase the ratio of computers for pupils to use and raise standards in ICT.

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Grade:

Pupils learn so effectively because teachers base their lesson plans firmly on what they know about pupils' prior attainment. Teachers and teaching assistants evaluate lessons on a daily basis, to tailor the next day's learning closely to pupils' needs. The arrangements for grouping in English and mathematics are an example of this and they work well. Pupils learn at a rate that suits them best because they are taught in such small groups by teachers and their assistants. An example of outstanding learning was seen in a science lesson for Year 1 pupils. Pupils of this age often find the distinction between the forces of pushing and pulling unclear. The teacher used a video of a big range of movements, asking the pupils to spot which force was being used. She then extended their vocabulary effectively with a variety of new words, such as 'twist', enabling them to see easily which of the two forces was involved.

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Grade:

The curriculum is good and is enriched by a range of additional educational activities which enhance learning. The outstanding support for pupils' personal and social development means they are developing a real understanding of choices of lifestyle. The curriculum is well-planned and managed to meet the differing needs in the school, enabling all groups of pupils to achieve well. There is good emphasis on literacy and numeracy, with appropriate inclusion of other subjects, so that pupils' skills for life are being built up well. The curriculum is also enriched with lessons in philosophy to help pupils learn to debate with each other, respond respectfully to others' views and offer their own ideas. The provision for physical education and music is supported effectively by the work of visiting specialists, and a range of extra-curricular activities has been introduced for older pupils. ICT is used well to support learning in other subjects,

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Grade:

which enables pupils to develop their computer skills, despite the relatively small number of computers currently available. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Dulwich Village Church of England Infants' School, 15 °16 November 2005

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Grade:

Many of the procedures to ensure pupils' welfare are exemplary, as is seen in the mature sense of responsibility shown by the pupils. Child protection procedures are carefully followed by all, so that any vulnerable pupils are supported tactfully and effectively. Health and safety procedures are thorough as are risk assessments. A very caring ethos, excellent relationships and comprehensive induction arrangements greatly help pupils to settle quickly into the school.Strategies to promote good behaviour and deal with any bullying are particularly creative and result in pupils' excellent attitudes and understanding of why they need to behave well. Assessment data are used very effectively in matching work to pupils' needs. More able pupils and those with learning difficulties are quickly identified and very well supported, so that they achieve as well as other pupils.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Dulwich Village Church of England Infants' School, 15 °16 November 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: Dulwich Village Church of England Infants' School, 15 °16 November 2005

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

We, the inspectors, enjoyed visiting your school this week and want to thank you for the very friendly way you welcomed us and shared your work with us. We liked the way so many of you came up to talk to us and we were pleased to see how sensible all of you are when you walk between the two buildings. You work very hard in lessons and we could see how much you enjoy them. The school takes great care of all of you and you share in this sense of looking after people. We saw this in the behaviour assemblies, which were enjoyed by everyone there - particularly the special cheers. We are still wondering what a â āÕmarshmallowâāŒ cheer is.The school also helps you to keep healthy and many of you told us how you do this. We thought it a good idea that the school council asked for healthy puddings in school dinners while also keeping âāÕtreatsâāŒ for Fridays. Your headteacher and her staff do an excellent job in running such a successful school and you

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

play an equal part in this. There are no big changes that need to be made because staff are always looking for ways to make the school even better. There is a shortage of computers, but there are plans for a new computer suite to be set up some time after Christmas. We hope you enjoy using it and become even better at ICT. 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Dulwich Village Church of England Infants' School, 15 °16 November 2005

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