The Annunciation Catholic Infant School

The Annunciation RC Infant School Inspection report

p.1

101330 Unique Reference Number Barnet Local Authority 276500 Inspection number 9 °10 May 2006 Inspection dates Judith Dawson 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 Voluntary aided School category 3 °7 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

p.1

The governing body Appropriate authority Mr Grasso Chair Miss Teresa Lynch Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Thirleby Road School address Edgware HA8 0HQ

p.1

02089592325 Telephone number 02089064116 Fax number

p.1

3 °7 Age group 9 °10 May 2006 Inspection dates 276500 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 2 Additional Inspectors.

p.3

Description of the school

The Annunciation RC School caters for 172 pupils in the main school and 51 nursery children. The proportion of pupils entitled to free school meals or with learning difficulties or disabilities (LDD) is about average. Over 70% come from minority ethnic groups, the largest ethnic groups being White British (29.5%) and Black African (23.2%). Few are in the early stages of learning English. The level of deprivation is above average. Pupil mobility is low and there is an experienced and stable teaching force. All pupils are Roman Catholic and the school has strong affiliations with the parish and training partnerships with local universities.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 7 Inspection Report: The Annunciation RC Infant School, 9 °10 May 2006

p.3

What the school should do to improve further

* Ensure attendance rates continue to improve to ensure that pupils have full access to their learning opportunities.

p.4

Grade:

The quality of teaching is outstanding resulting in pupils' high achievement. In the Foundation Stage, skilful teachers, teaching assistants and the nursery nurse meet the children's needs very well and all children make good progress, although formal procedures for tracking progress to help teachers plan the next stages of learning are not fully in place. The teachers' very good understanding of how young children learn, interesting activities and excellent relationships provide the children with a very good climate for learning. The accurate match of work for pupils of different abilities in Years 1 and 2, very effective marking that generates responses from the pupils, high expectations of each pupil and excellent relationships ensure pupils, including those is the early stages of learning English, learn very effectively. A wide range of assessment procedures and excellent communication between all adults enable the teachers

p.4

Grade:

to build on their pupils' strengths and to set targets for improvement. The identification, teaching and learning of pupils with LDD or statements of special needs are outstanding and pupils' progress is as good as it can be. All the lessons observed were at least good and sometimes outstanding. As one pupil said 'We work hard, learn a lot and it's fun!'

p.4

Grade:

The curriculum is outstanding. It is very well balanced, and the development of skills for economic understanding and literacy are extremely well planned. The Foundation Stage curriculum meets the needs of the children effectively and enables them to make good progress and enjoy their learning. The developing 'Outdoor Classroom' is having a positive impact on the children's learning. The outstanding provision for pupils with LDD enables them to progress and develop extremely well. Cross-curricular links are very well established and broaden the pupils' experiences. This was evident in a literacy lesson in which pupils were writing a newspaper article about the Great Fire of London stimulated by an interactive whiteboard presentation. The visit of the Fire Officer is an example of how visitors to the school enrich the pupils' learning experiences. The school draws on parents and the community from different ethnic groups to

p.4

Grade:

support pupils' understanding of different cultures. Pupils enjoyed the African Drummers' visit. The pupils understand healthy eating and enjoy the extra provision to increase their fitness. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: The Annunciation RC Infant School, 9 °10 May 2006

p.4

Grade:

The care, guidance and support provided for the pupils are of outstanding quality, making a significant contribution to their achievements. Teachers have a comprehensive understanding of individual pupils' needs from rigorous monitoring and progress tracking procedures. Pupils in Year 2 have a very clear understanding of the challenging targets their teachers have set and how they can improve. Marking plays an important part in this process, with pupils responding to teachers' comments and advice. Guidance to develop pupils' spiritual and personal development permeates all aspects of school life. The strategies being employed to improve attendance and punctuality are effective and attendance is now close to national averages. Arrangements for the safety of pupils, including child protection and regular risk assessments, are fully in place and understood by all. As a result, the pupils feel safe and secure in school.

p.5

Grade:

Teachers are readily available for parents to discuss issues. The school works with a whole range of outside agencies to provide outstanding care for the pupils and their families.

p.5

Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: The Annunciation RC Infant School, 9 °10 May 2006 .

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: The Annunciation RC Infant School, 9 °10 May 2006

p.6

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Children Thank you so much for your friendliness and the help that you gave to us during our visit to your school. We really enjoyed talking to you all and are especially grateful to those of you in Years 1 and 2 who left your lessons to talk to us. You told us how much you enjoy coming to school, how hard you work and how well you are cared for. We agree with you. Your school is outstanding. Your teachers are very clever at making sure that you learn all that you need to and that your work makes you think hard. They are very good at making sure that you take notice of their marking and that you know what you need to do to improve your work even more. You are cared for very well, are given opportunities to do important jobs around the school and learn how to keep healthy and safe. You behave very well, work extremely hard and care for each other. I was very impressed by the way the children in the nursery share their toys and

p.7

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

take care of each other.Miss Lynch is an excellent headteacher and she makes sure that you have everything you need. She is very good at thinking of new things that will make your school even better. We have asked to school to keep reminding your families about the importance of not missing school. There are still too many of you who miss lessons because you are on holiday. We know how much you enjoy school and I am sure you will do all you can to make sure you are at school.Well done children. You should be very proud of yourselves and your school. Best wishes Mrs Judy Dawson [lead inspector] 7 of 7 Inspection Report: The Annunciation RC Infant School, 9 °10 May 2006

p.7