Bell Lane Primary School

Bell Lane Primary School Inspection report

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101259 Unique Reference Number Barnet Local Authority 276479 Inspection number 2 °3 May 2006 Inspection dates Tusha Chakraborti 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 Andrew Sherling Chair Mrs Susy Stone Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Bell Lane School address Hendon London NW4 2AS

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02082033115 Telephone number 02082037636 Fax number

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3 °11 Age group 2 °3 May 2006 Inspection dates 276479 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

Bell Lane is larger than most primary schools. It is situated in the London borough of Barnet, serving a pocket of disadvantage in quite an affluent area. The school represents a very ethnically diverse community. The largest ethnic groups are from the Black British-African and Eastern European communities. Attainment on admission is below average. There is very high pupil mobility. A significant number of pupils are at an early stage of learning English and the percentage of pupils with learning difficulties is above average. A high proportion is eligible for free school meals. There has been high staff turnover in the last two years.

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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: Bell Lane Primary School, 2 °3 May 2006

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What the school should do to improve further

* Raise standards in reading and mathematics in Years 1 and 2 and in mathematics and science in Years 3 to 6. * Develop the roles of all middle managers. * Develop the assessment system in science in line with that for English and mathematics. * Build on current work to improve attendance.

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Grade:

The quality of teaching has improved due to the consistent monitoring of teaching and learning and is now good. It is particularly good in English where teachers provide ample opportunities for pupils to develop their speaking and listening skills and to express their views confidently. The majority of teachers display good subject knowledge and plan well to provide pupils with interesting activities. Lessons progress at a brisk pace and challenging questioning ensures that pupils make good progress, particularly in English. Staff have good relationships with pupils and value their contribution to class discussions. As a result pupils behave well and work well together and independently. Where teaching is satisfactory, learning objectives are not clear. Teachers focus on too many aspects of the lesson at the same time for the pupils to deal with. Pupils are not challenged appropriately. As a result, pupils lose their concentration quickly

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Grade:

and do not achieve as well as they should. An effective assessment system is used to track pupils' progress and to set targets for all pupils in English and mathematics. A similar system for science is not yet in place. Marking of pupils' work is not consistent and does not always guide pupils effectively enough to improve their work. Teaching assistants support the pupils with learning difficulties and those at the early stages of learning English well which enables these pupils to achieve well.

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Grade:

The school judges its curriculum to be good overall and inspection evidence confirms this. It is broad and balanced with a current emphasis being effectively given to developing links across curriculum areas. In addition, extra-curricular provision ensures pupils have a good range of clubs to attend together with residential and day visits connected to their learning. Visitors into school also enhance pupils learning appropriately. The school meets all requirements within a programme of linked activities. An example of developing pupils' understanding of economic 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Bell Lane Primary School, 2 °3 May 2006 well-being was seen in a literacy lesson when comparisons with Roman society and the pupil's world linked to work in history. The needs of pupils with learning difficulties are met with care and thoughtfulness. How to stay well and healthy is well promoted within structured personal,

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Grade:

social and physical education lessons. Children in the Foundation Stage have a curriculum tailored to meet their needs. Computer facilities are usefully adding to the pupils' learning.

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Grade:

Very positive relationships across the school coupled with the high priority placed on treating each child as an individual ensure that support, care and guidance of all pupils is of a high standard. All health and safety issues are addressed; risk assessments are in place and child protection procedures are well established. Effective record keeping underpins all pastoral work and children giving cause for concern are monitored carefully, for example, through the fortnightly inclusion meetings. Induction for pupils new to Nursery and Reception is thoughtfully planned and arrangements for those pupils who arrive at other stages of their education are systematic and ensure pupils settle in quickly. The school works well with parents, volunteers, learning mentors and a variety of external agencies to support all children including those most at risk.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Bell Lane Primary School, 2 °3 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: Bell Lane Primary School, 2 °3 May 2006

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Children My colleagues and I would like to thank you for welcoming us to your school. It was a great pleasure to visit the school and talk to you about it. We know that you really enjoy coming to school and value what it has to offer you. We are pleased to tell you that Bell Lane Primary is a good school. This is because your headteacher and all other staff really do a good job in organising the school and in providing you with a good quality of education. We were impressed by your attitudes to the school, your good behaviour and your willingness to take responsibilities to make the school environment even better. It was good to know that you understand the importance of staying safe and healthy well and take part in the wide range of physical activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We are pleased to see that you are achieving well, especially in English. However, we think that you need to achieve even higher in mathematics and science to reach the level that you achieve

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

in English. All of you need to attend school more regularly to improve your performance further. Currently, some of you do not attend school as regularly as others and, as a result, do not achieve as well as you should. We also agree with the school's target to develop assessment in science fully to raise your achievement further across the school. We are confident that you will continue to work hard and achieve higher standards in future.With every good wish for your further success. Yours sincerely, Tusha Chakraborti Lead Inspector 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Bell Lane Primary School, 2 °3 May 2006

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