Harbinger Primary School

Harbinger Primary School Inspection report

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100904 Unique Reference Number Tower Hamlets Local Authority 276418 Inspection number 2 °3 November 2005 Inspection dates Michael Pye 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 Mr Rob Lambden Chair Ms Mandy Boutwood Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Cahir Street School address London E14 3QP

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02079871924 Telephone number 02075388699 Fax number

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3 °11 Age group 2 °3 November 2005 Inspection dates 276418 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

Harbinger Primary school is situated on the Isle of Dogs, within an Education Action Zone. The pupils come from a range of social backgrounds, living in a mix of private and social housing. It is of average size serving an area of social deprivation in East London. The numbers of pupils entitled to free school meals is high. The school admits large numbers of pupils from homes where English is not the first language. Similarly the proportion of pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities is above average.

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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: Harbinger Primary School, 2 °3 November 2005

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What the school should do to improve further

* Further improve standards in writing * Improve the consistency of the quality of teaching in Year 2

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Grade:

Teaching and learning are good overall. The strong emphasis on creating positive relationships and a caring environment contributes well to the progress of pupils in lessons. Pupils enjoy their lessons and respond well, saying, for example 'I enjoy maths - it's fun'. They know their views are valued. Teachers challenge the pupils well through good questioning and encourage pupils to explain their answers. Teachers know their pupils well and consequently assess their needs accurately. Teachers set work for pupils of different abilities so as to encourage more pupils to achieve at the higher levels. In Year 2 work does not always challenge sufficiently the pupils of different abilities. On occasions, teachers' introductions are overlong and pupils lose concentration.Pupils' motivation is stimulated and maintained by the use of good resources in lessons. The school makes good use of teaching assistants. Specialist training enables the

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Grade:

assistants to carry out intensive work with pupils who need additional support in literacy. Teachers encourage progress by ensuring that pupils consider what a very good piece of work looks like. Consequently pupils know what is expected of them and have a clear idea of how to improve their work.

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Grade:

Inspectors agree with the school that the curriculum meets the needs of all pupils. Opportunities for enrichment and for personal, social and health education are very good. Residential trips and the links with the local community enable pupils to learn about the diversity of their environment. Pupils are well prepared for life through the many contacts that the school has with local businesses, who offer support for pupils in mathematics and information technology. Pupils benefit from visits to museums and theatres as well as to the world of work. Very good opportunities are provided for pupils to learn about health and safety, and to explore and discuss issues in circle time. Pupils are increasingly able to apply their skills and knowledge in different areas because curriculum planning encourages links between subjects. However the school recognises the need to provide even more opportunities for pupils to practise their

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Grade:

writing across the curriculum. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Harbinger Primary School, 2 °3 November 2005

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Grade:

This is outstanding. The school has accurately identified the importance of emotional health and security for every pupil, and see it as having a key effect upon learning. Staff have been specifically trained to work with pupils in recognising how their feelings impact upon their own life and conduct in school. Pupils were the first to tell inspectors that all staff are sensitive to their well-being and readily deal with their problems and difficulties. They are delighted with the school and recognise that they are part of a community which is caring and supportive of all pupils. Those pupils with more complex or protracted problems benefit from the support given by a trained counsellor. The strong programme of personal, social and health education is seen as essential to pupils care and guidance, and it is woven well into the curriculum. The school prepares its diverse population well for life in the wider community. Pupils receive strong

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Grade:

pastoral support and good academic guidance and monitoring. The realistic targets set for individuals and groups of pupils help them to improve their work.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Harbinger Primary School, 2 °3 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: Harbinger Primary School, 2 °3 November 2005

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Thank you for your warm welcome when we visited your school. We really enjoyed talking to you and listened carefully to what you told us.I liked these things the most:* The way you enjoy life in school and work hard* That your teachers care so much for you and want to give you the best * You are learning new things more quickly than pupils in many other schools* You are very good at thinking about how the way you behave affects others* That you get along so well with adults and other pupils* Your headteacher and her staff provide you with so many good things to do. I have asked your school to work on these things now:* To help you to write better* To make sure that all lessons are good ones.I hope you enjoyed your Eid celebrations. Best wishes Michael Pye, Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Harbinger Primary School, 2 °3 November 2005

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