Deptford Park Primary School

Inspection Report Deptford Park Primary School

p.1

100678 Unique Reference Number Lewisham Local Authority 285842 Inspection number 18 °19 October 2006 Inspection dates Anne Berger HMI Reporting inspector

p.1

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

p.1

Evelyn Street School address Primary Type of school London Community School category SE8 5RJ 3 °11 Age range of pupils 020 8692 4351 Telephone number Mixed Gender of pupils 020 8694 0116 Fax number 449 Number on roll (school) Mr Terry Scott Chair The governing body Appropriate authority Mr Craig Voller Headteacher 26 February 2001 Date of previous school inspection

p.1

Inspection number Inspection dates Age group 285842 18 °19 October 2006 3°11 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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 one HMI and two Additional Inspectors.

p.3

Description of the school

This school has been federated with another local school since 2004 and one headteacher runs both schools. Deptford Park School had been identified by the local authority at that time as in need of intensive help as standards were exceptionally low. Staff from both schools work at Deptford Park. The school serves a culturally diverse area where about 35 different languages are spoken. Nearly all pupils arrive in the nursery with very limited language, communication and social skills. Most families live in high-rise flats and have limited access to outdoor space. A high proportion of pupils do not live with their parents and many of these are asylum seekers and refugees from war-torn zones. Mobility is exceptionally high.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 1 Inspection Report: Deptford Park Primary School, 18 °19 October 2006

p.3

Grade: 3

Deptford Park provides a satisfactory quality of education with many good features. The federation has been the key to the major improvements which have been made over the last two years. The headteacher has made an outstanding contribution to turning the school around. He has tackled the legacy of underachievement and poor performance on all fronts and the whole leadership team has followed suit. As a result, 2006 test results have improved rapidly from those of 2004 and the pupils now attain satisfactory standards. Though most pupils make rapid progress from a very low base, there is still further to go to ensure all pupils achieve what they are capable of. Test results show that more of the most able pupils could attain the higher levels at the end of Year 6. Currently the pupils' achievements are satisfactory. The pupils settle quickly in to the nursery where they develop good personal and social

p.4

Grade: 3

skills. These continue to improve as the pupils move through the school. The diversity of the local community is embraced and the pupils are given many opportunities to inform others of their own culture, thus contributing to the overall sense of harmony and tolerance in the school. The pupils work and play in a healthy, safe and secure environment. The learning environment has been transformed. The new dance and art studios, as well as the attractive outdoor play areas are particularly impressive and highly valued by the pupils. The shift to a more engaging and enriching curriculum has been an important force in raising standards. There are better opportunities for pupils to develop a positive view of themselves and focus on their improving language and communication skills. The pupils use their literacy, numeracy and ICT skills in most subjects. This is good preparation for the future. The school has evaluated the quality of teaching and learning as satisfactory and the

p.4

Grade: 3

inspectors agree. About half the teaching is good or better, but there are some inadequacies in a few classes, mainly, but not solely, where teachers are recently qualified. The activities are not sufficiently well-matched to pupils' next steps in learning. The senior leadership team is aware of these issues and the outstanding coaching and mentoring from the sister school, as well as the thoughtful induction programme, is having a positive impact. There have been many major improvements over the last eighteen months successfully setting the stage for further important initiatives. Governors and the leadership team are significantly improving the life chances of the most vulnerable young people within the community. Their evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the school is insightful and accurate. They act swiftly on their analysis to ensure the improvements to standards are sustained.

p.4

What the school should do to improve further

• ensure the weaker teaching reaches the standard of the best 2 Inspection Report: Deptford Park Primary School, 18 °19 October 2006 • provide greater levels of challenge for the more able pupils • ensure lessons have a clearer focus on what the pupils need to learn next to achieve higher standards These areas match those identified by the school in their excellent evaluation.

p.4

Grade: 3

Pupils start school in the nursery from a very low base in nearly all areas, particularly in language and communication skills. During the Foundation Stage they make satisfactory progress overall, though they make good progress in their physical development because of the well-structured teaching during the outdoor play sessions. Through the focused efforts of all staff most pupils achieve the expected levels by the end of Year 2. Standards for the older pupils have risen considerably but some do not yet achieve all that they are capable of because of weaknesses in some of the teaching. The legacy of previous poor performance also contributes to this problem. The school has just reached the minimum standard set for all schools (65% Level 4) and their evaluation shows that further improvements are possible. Even so the school sets ambitious targets and to date these have been met. Pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities and those who do not speak English

p.5

Grade: 3

as their first language make good progress in reading and language acquisition. This is because of the timely interventions and good support of the inclusion and special needs teams.

p.5

Grade: 2

The pupils socialise well together and resolve any disagreements sensitively. They show great understanding of other cultures and contribute to the harmony and tolerance within the school community which is outstanding. The pupils make good progress in understanding the difference between right and wrong, although they admit they could try harder to apply this when adults are not watching. The pupils' attendance is outstanding. Considerable attention is given to improving their diet and physical fitness. This is very successful and the pupils require less time off due to ill health than is the case in most schools despite the overall high levels of illness in the area. Particularly good work is done to monitor and provide additional support for pupils and carers who are particularly vulnerable to under-achievement. The pupils' spiritual development is satisfactory. There are many activities which focus

p.5

Grade: 2

on this aspect of the pupils' life but also missed opportunities in some lessons to understand and marvel at the wonders of the world. 3 Inspection Report: Deptford Park Primary School, 18 °19 October 2006

p.5

Grade: 3

The quality of teaching has improved considerably since the start of the federation and is now satisfactory with many good features. The focus last year on making lessons more active has worked and most are engaging and motivating. This year, due to the turn over of staff, the quality of teaching, though satisfactory, is not as good as it could be. The leadership is aware of this and has put into place suitable strategies to address the issues. The specialist subject teaching makes a significant impact on the quality of teaching and learning. These teachers model outstanding practice and provide excellent development opportunities for the class teachers.

p.6

Grade: 2

The curriculum has been adapted and developed well to meet the needs of the pupils. It covers the requirements of the National Curriculum thoroughly but it has been tailored so that it provides opportunities which many pupils would otherwise not have. With the grassy play areas, free musical tuition, a well- stocked library, extensive range of after-school clubs and activities as well as the wide range of visits, the federation has done much to provide a stimulating context for learning. They have ensured the pupils have access to the best resources possible. Attendance at clubs and after school activities is high.

p.6

Grade: 2

Pupils have confidence in the staff and the school; they feel safe from bullying and know that any worries are quickly dealt with. Learning mentors are available for pupils to talk to if needed and the 'post box' is used well by pupils to express concerns. The school tracks the pupils' achievement very closely and analyses the data both by individual and by group, such as ethnicity and gender. Work is carefully marked although some teachers are better than others at making sure the pupils know what they have to do to improve. The pupils know that they will get help when they need it, but have not yet developed sufficient responsibility for their own learning.

p.6

Grade: 1

The governing body are committed to achieving higher standards and have taken swift action to address weaknesses which have resulted in major improvements. They support and challenge all leaders to meet their targets as they strive for excellence. The 4 Inspection Report: Deptford Park Primary School, 18 °19 October 2006 federation's headteacher and his senior team have transformed the ethos and learning environment over the last two years and provide outstanding leadership and direction. Their passion, pace and expectations have permeated school life. Development plans focus on fulfilling each child's potential. The senior team has provided a clear model for middle leaders who are developing the required skills quickly and enthusiastically. Everyone goes the extra mile to ensure communication is good and parents are welcomed and respected as a vital part of the school. Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school and feel that their children are doing well, as shown by the

p.6

Grade: 1

positive responses to the parental survey. 5 Inspection Report: Deptford Park Primary School, 18 °19 October 2006 .

p.7

Grade: 1

set out in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 Inspection Report: Deptford Park Primary School, 18 °19 October 2006

p.8

Inspection judgements

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

p.9

Overall effectiveness

How effective, efficient and inclusive is the provision of education, integrated care and any extended services in meeting the needs of learners? How well does the school work in partnership with others to promote learners' well-being? 3 The quality and standards in the Foundation Stage 1 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation 1 The capacity to make any necessary improvements Yes Effective steps have been taken to promote improvement since the last inspection

p.9

Achievement and standards

3 How well do learners achieve? 3 The standards 1 reached by learners How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners 2 How well learners with learning difficulties and disabilities make progress

p.9

learners?

2 The extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 2 The behaviour of learners 1 The attendance of learners 2 How well learners enjoy their education 2 The extent to which learners adopt safe practices 2 The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which learners make a positive contribution to the community How well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being

p.9

and interests of learners?

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

p.9

and interests of learners?

Grade 1 - Exceptionally and consistently high; Grade 2 - Generally above average with none significantly below average; Grade 3 - Broadly average to below average; Grade 4 - Exceptionally low. 7 Inspection Report: Deptford Park Primary School, 18 °19 October 2006

p.9

and supporting all learners?

How effectively leaders and managers at all levels set clear direction leading to improvement and promote high quality of care and education How effectively performance is monitored, evaluated and improved to meet challenging targets How well equality of opportunity is promoted and discrimination tackled so that all learners achieve as well as they can How effectively and efficiently resources, including staff, are deployed to achieve value for money The extent to which governors and other supervisory boards discharge their responsibilities Yes Do procedures for safeguarding learners meet current government requirements? No Does this school require special measures? No Does this school require a notice to improve? 8 Inspection Report: Deptford Park Primary School, 18 °19 October 2006

p.10

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

We really enjoyed our visit to your school. Thank you for talking to us. Mr Voller has done a great job and your school has improved a lot recently. Everyone is working very hard to make sure you all do as well as you can. Some of the things we liked about you school are: • you enjoy learning and work hard • many of you have made a lot of progress • the displays of your work are superb • the staff try to make lessons interesting We were very pleased, to see how well you all get on together and sort out problems by talking with your friends and the staff. You told us how much you enjoy the play areas and the new art and dance rooms. We thought your school was a very nice place to learn. We agree with your teachers that some of you could still do better. You were very honest with us, when we met with a few of you, and told us that you did not always do your best if your teachers were not checking up on you. The teachers are trying to find more ways to help you

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

learn. Perhaps you could help them by doing your best even if no-one is watching? Thank you for being so polite during the visit. I hope that you continue to enjoy your learning. Please thank your parents for the many very helpful comments they made on the questionnaires. With all best wishes for the future Ann Berger HMI 9 Inspection Report: Deptford Park Primary School, 18 °19 October 2006

p.11