St John's CofE Primary School and Nursery

Inspection Report St John's CofE Primary School

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112875 Unique Reference Number DERBYSHIRE LEA LEA 279043 Inspection number 22 September 2005 to 23 September 2005 Inspection dates Dr. Kenneth Thomas LI Reporting inspector

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

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Laund Nook School address Primary Type of school DE56 1GY Voluntary controlled School category 4 to 11 Age range of pupils 01773822995 Telephone number Mixed Gender of pupils 01773 822466 Fax number 509 Number on roll Mrs.S Fennell Chair of governors The governing body Appropriate authority Mr. Peter Blunsdon Headteacher 12 June 2000 Date of previous inspection

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Inspection number Inspection dates Age group 279043 22 September 2005 - 4 to 11 23 September 2005 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 three additional inspectors.

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Description of the school

This school is one that many children travel long distances to attend. The school is above average in size and as the number of pupils on roll is increasing. Most children start school with the knowledge, skills and understanding expected for four-year-olds. The majority of children are of White British heritage, with a very few from minority ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and the proportion entitled to free school meals are below average. Pupils' backgrounds cover the full socio-economic range.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 1 Inspection Report: St John's CofE Primary School, 22 September 2005 to 23 September 2005

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Grade: 2

Inspectors agree with the school's view that St John's Church of England Primary School provides a good education for its pupils. Parents and pupils share this view. This is seen in the way in which pupils welcome visitors and take great pleasure in telling them just how good their school is. The headteacher, governors and staff work closely together and have ensured that the school has made good progress since the last inspection. Because the leadership and management of the school are very effective there is a shared understanding of the school's strengths and how it can continue to improve. This provides a firm basis on which to improve further. There are only two significant weaknesses. These concern the Year 6 National Curriculum test results in mathematics and the quality of the outdoor curriculum in the Foundation Stage. The school gives good value for money. Pupils make good progress in Reception and the

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Grade: 2

good quality of the support they receive in the early years underpins the good progress and high standards they achieve throughout the school. Pupils enjoy coming to school and this is seen in their regular attendance, high standards of behaviour and keen attitudes to learning. Because pupils are looked after very well they make exceptional progress in their personal and social development. They become mature and confident learners, able to express their own ideas and to take account of the views of others. Pupils have total trust in their teachers and know they will help them. As one pupil said, 'teachers care for us, they help us when we have difficulty but don't give us the answers'.

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What the school should do to improve further

- Raise standards in mathematics at the end of Year 6 to match the significantly above average standards in English and science. - Ensure that, in the Foundation Stage, the quality of the outdoor curriculum matches the good quality of the indoor curriculum.

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Grade: 2

Within a caring atmosphere, teachers quickly establish routines in the Foundation Stage that help pupils to become happy and confident in coming to school. These routines, combined with good teaching, ensure that pupils make good progress and achieve their expected goals by the time they start Year 1. Because teaching is good throughout the school, pupils continue to make good progress as they move up through the year groups. As a result standards in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Year 2 are above average and rising. Standards in English and science at the end of Year 6 are well above average and reflect the challenging goals that are set for pupils. A particular strength is the way in which pupils use their literacy skills in other subjects, with particularly good examples of story writing in history. Pupils' word-processing skills are above average and by the end of Year 6 they are able to

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Grade: 2

use their computing skills to present information in a variety of interesting ways. Although above average, the most recent National Curriculum test results in 2 Inspection Report: St John's CofE Primary School, 22 September 2005 to 23 September 2005 mathematics were below those obtained in English and science. The school has identified where improvement is needed and is taking action to tackle this weakness. There are no significant differences in the performance of different groups of pupils and the progress of those with learning difficulties and disabilities is comparable to that of other pupils.

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Grade: 1

The school evaluates pupils' personal development as good but the inspectors judge it to be outstanding. The school successfully creates a secure and stimulating atmosphere in which pupils develop self-confidence and respect for others. Pupils clearly enjoy being at school and this is seen in their regular attendance. Behaviour and attitudes are exemplary because pupils know what is expected of them. They proudly explain their achievements and are keen to take responsibility. They talked enthusiastically about their roles as pupil librarians or members of the school council, for example. The school council is very effective and contributes well to the day-to-day life of the school. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. They value and celebrate each other's achievements and understand the difference between right and wrong. Through a variety of charitable activities they develop a

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Grade: 1

genuine understanding of the needs of those who are less fortunate. The school fosters a keen awareness of healthy lifestyles and pupils enjoy sport and taking part in regular exercise. Almost all take part in after school activities and many achieve high levels of performance in the various school teams and the other activities they attend outside of school. The school is successful in promoting independence and provides pupils with numerous opportunities to show initiative. Many of these opportunities enable them to make a positive contribution to the community and help them to develop the skills needed for successful later learning.

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Grade: 2

Teaching is good and pupils respond with enthusiasm. Because lessons are interesting and stimulating, pupils work hard and learn well. Teachers know both their pupils and the subjects they are teaching well. Through careful planning and assessment they take full account of the different needs of pupils in their classes. As a result, all pupils make good progress. Teachers and teaching assistants plan and work well together to provide support for pupils who have difficulty in some lessons. In many lessons, pupils develop their research and problem-solving skills and this is a good example of how the school prepares pupils for adult life. So too is the very good attention paid to developing pupils' language skills, both in English lessons and in other subjects. Pupils also develop good numerical skills and are taught to use computers with confidence. However, the mathematics results in the end of Year 6 National Curriculum test have

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Grade: 2

been adversely affected because of weaknesses in the problem solving skills of some 3 Inspection Report: St John's CofE Primary School, 22 September 2005 to 23 September 2005 pupils. New teaching strategies have now been introduced to tackle this weakness. Teachers mark work thoroughly and provide helpful comments for pupils on how they can improve. However, some of the feedback given to older pupils is not detailed enough to ensure that they achieve even higher standards in their work. Homework activities help pupils to build on work done in lessons and teachers encourage parents to get involved with their children's work.

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Grade: 2

The school provides an interesting and stimulating curriculum, which is enriched by an outstanding range of extra-curricular activities. The curriculum meets all national requirements and the range of pupils' needs. As a result, all pupils, including those with special educational needs, make equally good progress. The school achieves this despite the challenges of overcrowded accommodation. Because of a lack of resources, the quality of the outdoor curriculum in the Foundation Stage does not match the good quality of the indoor curriculum. The school is taking steps to tackle this weakness. A great deal of emphasis is presently being placed on encouraging pupils to apply the skills taught in literacy lessons in their writing in other subjects and this is having a positive impact on standards. The school effectively promotes pupils' safety, health and well-being. Almost all pupils take part in the exceptional range of

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Grade: 2

after-school activities. Many take part and achieve high standards in sporting and musical activities. These and other enriching activities are very much valued by the pupils and help them to develop as well-rounded and confident individuals who get on well together. Pupils talk enthusiastically about their residential visits and value highly the challenging nature of activities, such as caving and rock climbing.

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Grade: 2

Pupils are well cared for and close attention is paid to ensuring that both children and staff are safe when in school. Pupils are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles through a rich programme of physical activities and good guidance on healthy eating. The school's arrangements for child protection are secure. The school carries out health and safety checks on a regular basis, and undertakes rigorous risk assessments before pupils go on residential or day visits. The school carefully analyses the large amount of information on pupils' progress and achievement and uses this information well to help them to improve their work. Parents recognise the quality of information that they are given about how well their children are doing and where they need to improve. Regular opportunities are planned for parents and teachers to meet, and reports are clearly written and helpful. Parents of pupils with special educational needs are kept

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Grade: 2

well informed about their progress. 4 Inspection Report: St John's CofE Primary School, 22 September 2005 to 23 September 2005

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Grade: 2

Leadership and management are good. All who work in the school share a common purpose in making St. John's a successful and happy school. The headteacher, governors and staff are all firmly committed to doing their best for the pupils. The school has successfully focused on continuing to raise standards, whilst at the same time ensuring the very good personal development of all pupils. A major factor leading to improvement has been the effective self-evaluation of all aspects of the school's work. This enables the school to build on strengths and to tackle weaknesses. Both parents and pupils appreciate the way in which their views are taken into account in school improvement planning. All pupils are valued equally and the needs of all are taken into account. Strategic management is good, ensuring that the medium and long-term development of the school is sharply focused on identified priorities. The school runs

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Grade: 2

well on a day-to-day basis and resources are used well. Staff and governors are committed to working in partnership with parents and because the school is highly thought of in the local community it is over-subscribed. The school works well with its partner schools to ensure a smooth transfer to secondary education. Governors have played a full part in the school's improvement. They are supportive, whilst at the same time challenging and encouraging the headteacher and staff. Together with the headteacher and staff, they ensure that the school meets its statutory requirements. Key issues from the previous inspection have been dealt with well and the school's capacity for further improvement is good. 5 Inspection Report: St John's CofE Primary School, 22 September 2005 to 23 September 2005 .

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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: St John's CofE Primary School, 22 September 2005 to 23 September 2005

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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 2 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 1 The extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development NA 1 The behaviour of learners NA 2 The attendance of learners NA 1 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

Following our recent visit to inspect your school we would like to thank you all for helping us with the inspection, especially those who met us and whose work we saw. We would like to tell you our findings. Our main finding is that this is a good school and one that is helping you to do as well as you can. This will not be a surprise to you because this is what you and your parents also say. You are given a good start in the reception class and this helps you to make good progress as you move through Years 1 to 6. You get on well together both in lessons and around the school. Almost all of the teaching you get is good and because you listen carefully to your teachers in lessons you are able to take advantage of their expert knowledge. Your attitudes and behaviour, together with the care and personal support you get from the staff, are outstanding. All adults want to help you to do as well as you possibly can and this is

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

particularly true for those of you who may be experiencing difficulties. Many teachers give a lot of their time to provide you with a large number of extra activities and visits out of school hours. Many of you told us how much you enjoy school and in particular in taking part in these activities, and how the activities are helping you to make better progress. We have talked with the headteacher and governors about two ways in which they could make the school even better. The first is to make sure that the outdoor learning activities that it provides for those of you in the earliest years are as good as the indoor learning activities. The second is to try different ways to make sure that, at the end of Year 6, the mathematics results are just as good as the very good English and science results. Our very best wishes to you. The inspectors hope that you all do well and realise your ambitions.

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