Limehurst Community Primary School

Inspection Report Limehurst Junior Infant and Nursery School

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105638 Unique Reference Number Oldham LEA 277381 Inspection number 17 May 2006 to 17 May 2006 Inspection dates Mrs Margot D'Arcy CfBT Lead Inspector Reporting inspector

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This inspection was carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005 which gives Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools the authority to inspect any school in England. The inspection is to be treated as a section 5 inspection under the same Act.

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White Bank Road School address Primary Type of school Oldham Community School category Lancashire OL8 3JQ 3 to 11 Age range of pupils 0161 9113140 Telephone number Mixed Gender of pupils 0161 9113141 Fax number 296 Number on roll Mrs Shirley Buckley Chair of governors The governing body Appropriate authority Mrs Y Clare Headteacher 1 November 1999 Date of previous inspection

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Inspection number Inspection dates Age group 277381 17 May 2006 - 3 to 11 17 May 2006 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 one Additional Inspector. The inspector met with the headteacher, children, staff, the chair of governors and the school's local authority adviser; 52 parents responded to the questionnaire seeking their views about the school. A range of documentation and children's work was also examined.

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Description of the school

Limehurst is an average sized primary school with a Nursery. It is situated on the Limeside housing estate to the south of Oldham. Socially and economically the area is disadvantaged and the proportion of children entitled to free school meals is well above average. Almost all children are White British and all speak English as their first language. The proportion of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is below average. Many children join or leave the school other than at the usual times. On entry to the Nursery, children's skills are well below those expected for their age particularly in communication, language and literacy. The school has gained the Investors in People award and the Healthy Schools award.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 1 Inspection Report: Limehurst Junior Infant and Nursery School, 17 May 2006 to 17 May 2006

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Grade: 2

This is a good school where children achieve well. From a low starting point on entry to the Nursery, children leave Year 6 with average standards in English and mathematics and above average standards in science. Value for money is good. The school's success and ethos is underpinned by its motto of 'no excuses'. The headteacher, senior leadership team and governors are somewhat modest about what the school does well but are very clear about what needs improving. More importantly, they know how to go about securing improvement. For example, a whole school focus on promoting children's language through drama, research work and writing across many subjects saw significant improvements in last year's test results. More than half the Year 6 children (a much higher proportion than nationally) attained the higher level in English. Science results at this level were also much higher than nationally, continuing the school's tradition of ensuring children's very good achievement in this

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Grade: 2

subject. Whilst mathematics results were slightly above the national average they did not reflect the same very good rate of progress during Key Stage 2 as seen in English and science. This is because children have generally attained above or well above average standards in this subject at the end of Year 2 so their starting point on beginning Key Stage 2 has been particularly high. The school is keen to improve the achievement of more able children overall and to reduce the disparity in achievement between mathematics and other subjects so is tackling the issue with a vengeance. Rigorous checks on the quality of teaching and curriculum planning in mathematics have been conducted. These have resulted in very focused points for improving the balance of teaching methods and activities so that children are constantly challenged. Refinement to the assessment system is also underway so that the school can more easily pick up any underachievement. Whilst

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Grade: 2

the impact of these initiatives may not be reflected in the most recent Year 6 tests (taken in the week prior to the inspection) there is no doubt that the provision in mathematics is good. Good and outstanding teaching was seen in this subject at both key stages and discussions with children revealed that for many, mathematics is a favourite subject. 'It's good fun', and 'it makes you think hard and discover things' were just two of the quotes from children. Provision in the Foundation Stage is good. Although children's standards at the end of the Reception year are below national averages they make good progress given their starting points. Personal, social and emotional development is constantly promoted and a strong emphasis is given to developing basic skills. The organisation of the two classrooms into language and mathematics bases works well with structured play and teacher led activities continually reinforcing learning in these areas alongside others.

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Grade: 2

Whilst children have good access to a safe outdoor environment the current work to extend and develop outdoor learning is an appropriate focus. The quality of teaching and learning is good. Lessons are taught at a brisk pace by teachers who have very good subject knowledge. The warmth of their relationships with children, balanced with high expectations of their behaviour and application to 2 Inspection Report: Limehurst Junior Infant and Nursery School, 17 May 2006 to 17 May 2006 work, result in productive learning. In outstanding lessons children were well challenged by work that built effectively on what they already knew. Problem solving is high on the agenda, which really motivates children. In science, for example, Year 5 children enthusiastically discussed the different processes they could use to separate a mixture of solids. In a Year 6 mathematics lesson children came up with innovative ways to

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Grade: 2

record a seating sequence to address a problem set in the context of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. Year 2 children relished working out the two possible solutions to how many bipod and tripod (two-legged and three-legged) aliens there might be from a given number of legs. These lessons typify the excitement and enjoyment of learning that children speak about at Limehurst. Children's personal development is good. They know their targets for improvement and appreciate being involved in assessing their own progress at the end of every lesson. Children have a good sense of right and wrong. They behave well at playtimes and in the dining hall; in lessons behaviour is often exemplary. Children work together responsibly and maturely and show confidence in sharing their views and explaining their work. The school has made children very aware of the need for a healthy lifestyle and how to keep safe. They talk knowledgeably about having a balanced diet, taking

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Grade: 2

exercise and having enough sleep. Children know about the dangers of drugs and are well aware of issues such as road safety. The active school council has influenced a number of decisions, such as improving facilities at playtime, recycling paper and organising initiatives to raise money for charities. An interesting initiative that has raised children's economic awareness is the school's involvement with a credit union. This is teaching children how to manage their money through regular saving and understand the relative benefits and pitfalls of loans and credit. Attendance rates are average and showing improvement. Whilst many aspects of children's personal development are well promoted, the school is aware of the need to increase children's understanding of cultures different to their own. This has rightly been identified as a priority. The school provides a good curriculum and a good level of care, support and guidance

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Grade: 2

for children. The school is concentrating on developing key skills across the curriculum and some particularly good examples were seen in information and communication technology (ICT). Provision and standards in this subject have improved significantly since the last inspection in response to specialist teaching for all children from Year 1 upwards and much improved resources and planning. Effective links are being made between many subjects to enable learning to become as meaningful as possible for children. Regular and appropriate homework is set for children of all ages and contributes well to their learning. French is introduced from Year 1 and the Spanish club has proved so popular that this is being introduced into the main curriculum. An extensive range of additional opportunities that promote learning in subjects such as sport, ICT, music and design technology exist for children of all ages. The accomplished

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Grade: 2

choir is a popular choice for many girls and boys. The school works hard to improve children's attendance and punctuality. The popular breakfast club attracts a large number of children with its very good range of fruit, juices, cereals and hot choices. Moreover, it ensures that many children are in school and on time for lessons. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well 3 Inspection Report: Limehurst Junior Infant and Nursery School, 17 May 2006 to 17 May 2006 supported in school and through links with outside agencies, both of which ensure their good progress and well-being. Arrangements for helping new children to settle into school and to ease the transfer of older children to high school are good. Child protection procedures and health and safety arrangements are rigorous. The headteacher leads and manages the school well and instils a true sense of teamwork. Issues from the last inspection have been dealt with very well and are now

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Grade: 2

strengths. The school's accurate prioritisation of areas to improve shows that there is good capacity for further improvement. The deputy headteacher provides good support for the headteacher, as does the senior leadership team, all of whom are very good role models for teaching. Governors are well informed and involved. They support the school and make regular and appropriate checks on its work. Both parents and children are regularly consulted and are very happy with what the school provides. When asked if there was anything that could make the school better, one child succinctly summed up the views of many; 'absolutely nothing, because the school is great!'

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Grade: 2

N/A 4 Inspection Report: Limehurst Junior Infant and Nursery School, 17 May 2006 to 17 May 2006

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Grade: 2

N/A 5 Inspection Report: Limehurst Junior Infant and Nursery School, 17 May 2006 to 17 May 2006 .

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set out in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s

website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 Inspection Report: Limehurst Junior Infant and Nursery School, 17 May 2006 to 17 May 2006

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Overall

Key to judgements: grade 1 is outstanding, grade 2 good, grade 3 satisfactory, and grade 4 inadequate

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learners?

NA 2 How well does the school work in partnership with others to promote learners' well-being? NA 2 The quality and standards in foundation stage NA 2 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation NA Yes The capacity to make any necessary improvements NA Yes Effective steps have been taken to promote improvement since the last inspection

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Achievement and standards

NA 2 How well do learners achieve? NA 3 The standards 1 reached by learners

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Achievement and standards

NA 2 How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners NA 2 How well learners with learning difficulties and disabilities make progress

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learners?

NA 2 The extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development NA 2 The behaviour of learners NA 3 The attendance of learners NA 2 How well learners enjoy their education NA 2 The extent to which learners adopt safe practices NA 2 The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles NA 2 The extent to which learners make a positive contribution to the community NA 2 How well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being

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needs and interests of learners?

NA 2 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?

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needs and interests of learners?

Grade 1 - Exceptionally and consistently high; Grade 2 - Generally above average with none significantly below average; Grade 3 - Broadly average; Grade 4 - Exceptionally low.

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and supporting all learners?

NA 2 How effectively leaders and managers at all levels set clear direction leading to improvement and promote high quality of care and education NA 2 How effectively performance is monitored, evaluated and improved to meet challenging targets, through quality assurance and self-review NA 2 How well equality of opportunity is promoted and discrimination tackled so that all learners achieve as well as they can NA 2 How effectively and efficiently resources are deployed to achieve value for money NA 2 The extent to which governors and other supervisory boards discharge their responsibilities NA Yes The adequacy and suitability of staff to ensure that learners are protected

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The extent to which schools enable learners to be healthy

Yes Learners are encouraged and enabled to eat and drink healthily Yes Learners are encouraged and enabled to take regular exercise Yes Learners are discouraged from smoking and substance abuse Yes Learners are educated about sexual health

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The extent to which providers ensure that learners stay safe

Yes Procedures for safeguarding learners meet current government requirements Yes Risk assessment procedures and related staff training are in place Yes Action is taken to reduce anti-social behaviour, such as bullying and racism Yes Learners are taught about key risks and how to deal with them

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The extent to which learners make a positive contribution

Yes Learners are helped to develop stable, positive relationships Yes Learners, individually and collectively, participate in making decisions that affect them Yes Learners are encouraged to initiate, participate in and manage activities in school and the wider community

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The extent to which schools enable learners to achieve economic well-being

Yes There is provision to promote learners’ basic skills Yes Learners have opportunities to develop enterprise skills and work in teams NA Careers education and guidance is provided to all learners in key stage 3 and 4 and the sixth form NA Education for all learners aged 14–19 provides an understanding of employment and the economy

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

I enjoyed meeting and talking to you on my visit to your school yesterday. You were all very polite and helpful. These are some of the things I liked about your school. - You enjoy school very much, in fact those of you I spoke to couldn't think of one thing to make it better! - You behave responsibly in lessons and play and chat together well at break times. - Teachers and support staff work very hard to help you learn and to make lessons enjoyable. - I was really impressed with how well you work together in lessons, trying so hard to solve the interesting problems that your teachers had set you. - You have a lot of interesting clubs and activities to take part in before school, after school and even at lunchtime; I particularly enjoyed listening to the superb singing from the choir and having you explain French words to me. - Your headteacher and all of the staff know you well and take good care of you.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Mrs Clare, the governors and staff do a good job and have plans to improve the school even more. They are working hard to help you achieve higher standards, especially in mathematics and are developing a new system to keep a better check on your progress. They also have a plan to improve your knowledge and understanding of the wide variety of people and cultures in the world.

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