Horndean Church of England Junior School

Inspection Report Horndean Church of England Controlled Junior School

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116292 Unique Reference Number Hampshire LEA LEA 279784 Inspection number 22 February 2006 to 23 February 2006 Inspection dates Michael Pye AI Reporting inspector

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

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Five Heads Road School address Junior Type of school Horndean Voluntary controlled School category Waterlooville PO8 9NW 7 to 11 Age range of pupils 02392592236 Telephone number Mixed Gender of pupils 02392599453 Fax number 474 Number on roll Mrs Sara Schillemore Chair of governors The governing body Appropriate authority Mrs Catherine Utting Headteacher 19 June 2000 Date of previous inspection

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Inspection number Inspection dates Age group 279784 22 February 2006 - 7 to 11 23 February 2006 Inspection Report: Horndean Church of England Controlled Junior School, 22 February 2006 to 23 February 2006

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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 Church of England school is larger than average and is located in an area of predominantly private housing. It draws a minority of pupils from a nearby social housing area. The number of minority ethnic pupils and pupils with English as an additional language is well below average. There are average numbers of pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities, and statements of special educational need.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 1 Inspection Report: Horndean Church of England Controlled Junior School, 22 February 2006 to 23 February 2006

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Grade: 2

Inspectors agree with the school's judgement that it is a good school with some outstanding aspects. The school has made substantial improvements over the last two years under the excellent leadership of the new head teacher. In many ways she has transformed the school. This has resulted in improved staff training, more focused management across the school and improvements in the standards of pupils. Meanwhile the school has built on existing strengths in its pastoral work. There have also been significant improvements in the achievements of pupils. Two years ago the head teacher recognised that there was much under-achievement and she has addressed this robustly. Actions were taken to more rigorously track pupils' progress and then set appropriately challenging work for pupils. Other initiatives have focused on how to improve the quality of learning in lessons and these have led to improved teaching, which is now

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Grade: 2

good. As a result pupils are making good progress but this is not yet fully reflected in the national tests for 11 year olds. The improvements came too late for pupils who took these tests in 2005 and they did not do as well as they should have done, in mathematics for example. This is also the case for some pupils in the present Year 6, because they have not been able to completely recover ground lost in previous years. Hence, given their good starting point on entry to the school, achievement in the national tests is satisfactory. In 2005 standards were above average in English and science, and average in mathematics.The personal development of pupils, together with the care and support of pupils are outstanding. Inspectors agree with the parent who, after visiting the school wrote andquot;We felt it a warm and safe environmentandquot;. There are some very effective links with external agencies that

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Grade: 2

contribute to the care and support for pupils.The school has identified the need to encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own learning and targets are set for pupils. Not all pupils have sufficient understanding about how to use this information to help them improve their work. In view of the rapid progress in the last two years and the continuing improvement, the school is very well placed to improve further. It gives good value for money.

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What the school should do to improve further

Further develop assessment strategies in order that pupils achieve their potential, particularly in mathematics, through having a greater understanding of how to improve their work

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Grade: 3

When pupils enter the school in Year 3, their overall levels of competence in English and mathematics are above average. Given this starting point, there has been underachievement in recent years, with standards declining between 2001 and 2003. Weaknesses in writing and mathematics persisted and higher attaining pupils especially did not do as well as expected. Since then the school's performance in the national 2 Inspection Report: Horndean Church of England Controlled Junior School, 22 February 2006 to 23 February 2006 tests for Year 6 has improved considerably and standards in science and English are above average although still only average in mathematics. In the work seen during the inspection, the majority of pupils, including those with learning difficulties and disabilities are now achieving well. This is a direct consequence of the very effective steps taken by the leadership to raise the level of progress and improve standards.

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Grade: 3

Very good use is now being made of tracking data to monitor individual progress. Test results are carefully analysed to identify any underachievement. Teachers use this information to more accurately set work that enables pupils to progress. Evidence supports the finding that high attainers are now achieving well. The eldest pupils have some headway to make up as a consequence of less effective teaching in previous years; in work seen they are currently making good progress.

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Grade: 1

The personal development and well-being of pupils are outstanding. The strong Christian ethos, and the school's vision of 'Thinking, Learning and Caring', foster pupils' spirituality and moral development very well, and result in a high degree of self-awareness. The excellent behaviour and attitudes of pupils is a strength of the school[r1]. The wide range of opportunities for active participation encourages enjoyment and develops pupils' self-confidence very well. Their social development is well supported through andquot;talk partnersandquot; in lessons, group work and the active school council. Regular exercise is provided through physical education, and a good range of sporting opportunities is available on an extra-curricular basis. Pupils make healthy choices as when they run around the running track in the playground. They learn about healthy diets. For example, lesson themes, such as the Ancient Greeks

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Grade: 1

offer the opportunity for pupils to create Greek salads. Pupils are encouraged to drink water to aid their concentration in lessons. Pupils and parents report that there is little bullying. If difficulties arise the trusting relationships within the school mean that pupils readily confide in school staff. Pupils feel safe and are happy at school. As one parent wrote andquot;It can't be every school child who on waking says oh good, school todayandquot;. Pupils make positive contributions to the community as when incoming Year 3 pupils are supported by Year 6 pupils. They are well prepared for later life and raise their awareness of economic well-being through their active participation in ordering and selling stationery.

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Grade: 2

The current leadership has overseen the introduction of a rigorous programme of the monitoring of teaching which has now resulted in good teaching overall. There is an emphasis on promoting learning through the consistent development of thinking skills. This is having an impact on levels of achievement in all subjects. Teachers consistently challenge the pupils to put on their andquot;thinking hatsandquot; during lessons and 3 Inspection Report: Horndean Church of England Controlled Junior School, 22 February 2006 to 23 February 2006 this is particularly effective for problem solving in science. Older pupils have not been able to fully benefit from this approach but do progress well in lessons as a result of the support they receive from teachers. High quality relationships in lessons results in pupils wanting to get involved and give opinions. Outstanding teaching was observed where pupils are very well challenged as a result of the effective use of on-going

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Grade: 2

assessment. This enabled work to be adjusted to meet the needs of the pupils. Thinking skills were further developed by probing questioning that involves pupils and encourages them to fully explain their answers. The school has successfully developed the role of the learning support assistants and they are effective in lessons.Teachers' marking is supportive, but insufficiently shows pupils how they might improve. In a mathematics lesson pupils were not sufficiently involved in an evaluation of their learning at the end of the lesson.

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Grade: 2

A recent curriculum review has established a very good curriculum, with a wide range of interesting activities. It now meets the needs of all pupils, including those with learning difficulties and disabilities, and those identified as gifted and talented. It is enriched by the very good use of visitors and visits, to Portsmouth, for example. A wide range of clubs and other enrichment activities add further interest and enjoyment to pupils' learning. Residential visits in Years 4, 5 and 6 contribute well to pupils' learning and social development. Personal, social and health education is well planned and effectively makes pupils aware of staying safe, and the value of relationships. The school has recognised the need to further develop citizenship. Outstanding opportunities are provided for pupils to use and develop their music and drama skills through performances such as 'The Pirates of Penzance', which received national

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Grade: 2

acclaim. The school is planning to further develop links between subjects so as to make learning more relevant to pupils. Information and communication technology is well delivered through weekly lessons.

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Grade: 2

Inspectors, parents and pupils wholeheartedly agree that this is a very happy and extremely caring school. Pupils know that adults have their well-being at heart. There is some outstanding care and support practice. For example, the use of an emotional register at the start of each day which helps identify how pupils are feeling and whether support is required. Staff provide very positive role models. Pupils' confidence and self-esteem are nurtured throughout the school. One parent comments, 'My son has been transformed from a shy, unconfident child into a full of life, confident child. He loves school.' Pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities receive good support. The school involves parents and an impressive range of external agencies to help ensure that pupils are carefully supported, and are fully included in the life of the school. Health and safety routines and risk assessments have been improved since the

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Grade: 2

last inspection, and are now fully in place and conscientiously observed. Child protection 4 Inspection Report: Horndean Church of England Controlled Junior School, 22 February 2006 to 23 February 2006 procedures are clear and widely understood.The school has introduced literacy and numeracy targets to help guide pupils' progress. Not all pupils are sufficiently aware of their targets, or how they can use self-assessment to improve their work.

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Grade: 2

Inspectors agree with the school's evaluation that leadership and management are good. There are also examples of excellent practice. The excellent leadership of the head teacher has given a clear and determined direction to the school, built around a commitment to make classrooms a andquot;powerful learning environment for thinkingandquot;. In lessons pupils are thinking hard and, for example, are more able to solve problems, and they progress well. In mathematics the introduction of andquot;numerate thinkingandquot; is similarly having a positive effect on achievement of pupils. The more rigorous tracking of pupils' progress is having a measurable impact. The information is used to identify any underachieving pupils, appropriate work is then set that enables the pupils to progress and achieve well.The quality of school self-evaluation is very high with detailed evidence being collected to underpin any

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Grade: 2

re-evaluation and further development. The present leadership team identified, for example, the need to redesign the format of lessons so as to reinforce the emphasis on thinking skills. Staff were consulted, training carried out and a period of observations by the leadership and others took place. Results were fed back to staff and the results of this evaluation and planning can be seen in the present good teaching in the school. The head teacher's aim to empower other leaders in the school is clearly demonstrated by the wide range of people who are involved in school evaluation, including external consultants to help develop English. The improving progress and standards, which are a consequence of the actions of the current leadership means that there is a substantial capacity to further improve.Parents' views are taken into account. Resources are used efficiently, with the purchase of interactive whiteboards having a particular impact on

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Grade: 2

provision. All pupils are treated equally. However, improvement since the last inspection has been more effective in promoting the achievement of younger pupils. The school has developed some impressive community links to support learners, such as the ones developed as part of the andquot;thought and talkandquot; programme.The governors support the school well and new members are learning how to raise challenging questions of the school. 5 Inspection Report: Horndean Church of England Controlled Junior School, 22 February 2006 to 23 February 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: Horndean Church of England Controlled Junior School, 22 February 2006 to 23 February 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 1 How well does the school work in partnership with others to promote learners' well-being? NA NA The quality and standards in foundation stage NA 1 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 3 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 1 The extent to which learners adopt safe practices NA 1 The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles NA 1 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 1 How effectively leaders and managers at all levels set clear direction leading to improvement and promote high quality of care and education NA 1 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

You will remember our recent visit when we listened carefully to what you had to say about your school. Thank you for helping us. We agree with you and your parents that you attend a very good school. Mrs. Utting and her staff have good plans for your school. We really liked:* How you learn well, in science for example;* That you are now learning more quickly, unlike in the past;* How you use your andquot;thinking hatsandquot;;* The way adults care for you;* Your excellent behaviour;* How much you enjoy school and make good use of opportunities such as playing sport and singing;* and, like many people, are very impressed by your school production - it looked fun, and of a very high standard; * How you are encouraged to live healthily. We have asked the school to do even more to help you understand more clearly how to improve your work, particularly in mathematics.Best wishes for the future.

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