Garden Suburb Infant School

Garden Suburb Infant School Inspection report

p.1

101282 Unique Reference Number Barnet Local Authority 276486 Inspection number 6 °7 December 2005 Inspection dates Nicholas (Nick) Butt Reporting inspector

p.1

This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.

p.1

Infant Type of school Community School category 5 °7 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

p.1

The governing body Appropriate authority Mrs Helena Mullins Chair Ms Sarah Sands Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Childs Way School address Hampstead Garden Suburb London NW11 6XU

p.1

02084558198 Telephone number 02083814053 Fax number

p.1

5 °7 Age group 6 °7 December 2005 Inspection dates 276486 Inspection number .

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

Introduction

The inspection was carried out by three additional inspectors.

p.3

Description of the school

This three-form entry infant school draws pupils from a wide area. The immediate location is advantaged. It does not have a nursery. Attainment on entry is broadly average. The proportion of pupils having free school meals is below average. Fewer pupils have learning difficulties than is normally found, but more have statements of educational need. Two thirds of pupils have a first language other than English. Of these 59 are at early stages of acquisition, the main language being Hebrew. Three quarters of pupils come from a diverse range of minority ethnic groups. It has Artsmark Gold and Healthy Schools awards. From 1999-2002 it was a Beacon School.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 7 Inspection Report: Garden Suburb Infant School, 6 °7 December 2005

p.3

What the school should do to improve further

* Create more opportunities for extended writing in other subjects other than English, particularly for the more able pupils* Involve pupils more in their own learning, through marking that shows them how to improve and by setting individual targets

p.4

Grade:

Teaching is good, with some outstanding examples. Across the school, teachers create colourful and inviting classrooms, offering pupils a range of interesting and often practical activities. Good use is made of outdoor classrooms to extend learning. Pupils work collaboratively in pairs and groups. In the best lessons, pupils are stimulated to use their imaginations and become thoroughly engrossed in their learning. For example, this happened in a music lesson when pupils listened to Vivaldi's Four Seasons. The teacher's expertise and versatility enabled pupils to respond in many different ways, including playing instruments themselves.Teachers plan activities that revolve around a common theme, such as a favourite story. In this way, links are made between subjects. Teachers know their pupils well and work is generally well matched to ability. Pupils with learning difficulties and for whom English is a new language are taught well.

p.4

Grade:

In some classes the brightest pupils are not challenged as much as they could be, particularly in writing. This is partly because marking does not consistently tell pupils how they can improve, an area identified by the school for development.

p.4

Grade:

The school offers a varied and interesting curriculum that is of good quality. Some of its innovative work is outstanding, for example in the use of popular books as starting points for planning. Pupils' creative and practical skills are developed very well. At any given time in each class, groups of pupils will be engaged in a wide variety of activities spanning many different subjects. Personal, social and health education is given a strong emphasis. The use of writing in other subjects is not as extended as it could be, especially for the more able pupils. The curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties, and for those whose first language is not English, meets their needs well. There is a good range of visits and visitors to enrich pupils' experiences. The Foundation Stage curriculum is vibrant and very well planned to meet the needs of young children. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Garden Suburb Infant School, 6 °7 December 2005

p.4

Grade:

The school creates a happy and secure environment in which pupils thrive and are well cared for and supported. Very good relationships exist between staff, pupils and parents, so that 'there is a huge sense of community' as one parent put it. Parents of pupils with learning difficulties value the high level of expertise and support they receive. The carefully structured gentle arrangements for children starting school are particularly effective. A parent described it as 'a vibrant, nurturing environment'. The school is in the final stages of reviewing its health and safety routines. Procedures for safeguarding pupils are fully in place. New systems for assessing pupils' progress are evolving well and are currently becoming established across the school. The school recognises that more direct guidance needs to be given to pupils to help them to improve, especially through marking.

p.5

Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Garden Suburb Infant School, 6 °7 December 2005 .

p.5

Grade:

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 of 7 Inspection Report: Garden Suburb Infant School, 6 °7 December 2005

p.6

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Thank you very much for welcoming us to your school and being so friendly. We really enjoyed our time with you and take away many happy memories. In particular we loved your seasonal performance. You were all having great fun and your singing was beautiful. We know you worked very hard to make it so good. These are some of the other things we like about your school: * We think your behaviour is superb* You do well in your work* Everybody is kind to one another and helpful* All the adults care for you very well* Your teachers make lessons interesting and fun* We like the way your work is based around a story book * Your artwork and music is of a very high standard.We think your teachers are very clever because they have lots of different things going on all at the same time in your classes. It made our heads spin to see all the exciting activities you were enjoying! We have asked them to let you do longer pieces of writing in your

p.7

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

topic work. We also think you would like to be told more how well you are doing, especially when they mark your books. We want you to know what you must do to get even better, and we are sure you will enjoy talking about this with your teachers. We certainly enjoyed talking to you. It is clear you are very proud of your school, and it is a happy school, with lots of smiling faces everywhere you go. Thank you once again for making our visit such a special one. 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Garden Suburb Infant School, 6 °7 December 2005

p.7