Fairlop Primary School

Inspection Report Fairlop Primary School

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102802 Unique Reference Number Redbridge Local Authority 286499 Inspection number 11 °12 September 2006 Inspection dates Nick Butt Reporting inspector

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

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Colvin Gardens School address Primary Type of school Hainault Community School category Ilford IG6 2LH 3 °11 Age range of pupils 020 8500 3857 Telephone number Mixed Gender of pupils 020 8501 3132 Fax number 703 Number on roll (school) Mr Richard Harding Chair The governing body Appropriate authority Gail Brannan Headteacher 12 March 2001 Date of previous school inspection

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Inspection number Inspection dates Age group 286499 11 °12 September 2006 3°11 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 four additional inspectors.

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Description of the school

This large three-form entry school serves a mixed residential area. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is increasing and currently makes up two fifths of the school population. No one group comprises more than five per cent of the roll, as pupils come from 27 different nationalities. One fifth of pupils speak English as an additional language. There are 30 languages spoken, the main one being Tamil. Pupil mobility is high (26%), with pupils joining the school from inner city areas, and families aspiring to move to more rural areas. It is difficult to recruit and retain staff because of incentives in other nearby boroughs. The school has received awards for the quality of its art, the teaching of basic skills and for promoting healthy lifestyles.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 1 Inspection Report: Fairlop Primary School, 11 °12 September 2006

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Grade: 2

This is a good school with outstanding features. The headteacher and deputy head share a clear vision for the school, and have shown the necessary drive and determination to see it through. There is a highly effective senior leadership team, which places the needs of pupils at the centre of all it does. This has had a beneficial impact on pupils' achievement and the quality of teaching. Standards, which are generally above average, are rising faster than the national trend. This is all the more remarkable in view of the potential barriers to learning presented by the school's changing population and the increasing proportion of pupils who arrive speaking little English. This is a happy school. Pupils clearly enjoy their education and are confident because they are treated with respect and are fully involved in their own learning. The school's assessment systems are outstanding, and enable teachers to know exactly how well

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Grade: 2

pupils are doing, whilst at the same time showing pupils what they need to do to improve. In particular, the needs of the growing numbers of pupils who speak English as an additional language are well met. The provision in the Foundation Stage is good and children achieve well. There is an exciting variety of practical activities for them to enjoy. Since the last inspection, the leadership and management of the Foundation Stage have improved dramatically and are now outstanding. The nursery and reception teams work very closely together and have devised manageable systems for assessing and recording children's progress. Pupils continue to make good progress as they move through the school, because teaching and learning are good. Teachers are often in the early stages of their careers and their expertise is developed very well before they move on. Colleagues share good practice and work closely together. This leads to consistently high expectations. The

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Grade: 2

impressive curriculum is skilfully planned to link subjects together so as to make learning relevant and fun. Standards in writing are broadly average at the end of Year 6, and not as high as standards in mathematics and science. The school's measures to improve the performance of higher attaining pupils in writing were successful last year. Behaviour is excellent. Pupils show high levels of respect for one another. They feel safe and value the support of staff. One child said, 'This school is an especially good place to learn because the teaching methods are good.' The personal development of pupils is outstanding. They are very aware of healthy lifestyles and do much to contribute to the school community. They leave the school with a good set of basic skills, and have positive attitudes to learning. The school's motto, 'Working together, achieving forever' reflects its ethos and aspirations very well.

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What the school should do to improve further

• Raise standards in writing for all pupils. 2 Inspection Report: Fairlop Primary School, 11 °12 September 2006

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Grade: 2

Achievement is good. This is because of consistently good teaching and a highly effective curriculum that engages pupils and links subjects together very well. Pupils achieve well across the school because of the strength of monitoring and tracking procedures, which ensure that any weaknesses are identified quickly and dealt with effectively. Most pupils reach the challenging targets set by teachers. Attainment on entry to the school is broadly in line with national expectations, but when pupils leave they attain standards that are above average or better, particularly in mathematics and science. Standards are not so high in English, mainly because of weaknesses in writing. The school has identified groups of pupils who need particular support and is endeavouring to give them the skills and confidence they need. All groups of pupils achieve equally well, including those from different ethnic backgrounds and those

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Grade: 2

with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Grade: 1

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding because of the school's superb ethos based on respectful and trusting relationships. They are very accepting of each other in an increasingly diverse school population. Pupils throughout the school have an excellent understanding of the need to lead a healthy lifestyle, particularly relating to exercise and food. They feel safe and develop a keen sense of responsibility for others. One pupil remarked, 'It's a nice safe environment around here.' They take a real pride in their jobs such as the 'playground squad' and supervising movement around the school. They also contribute to wider community projects such as recycling. Their high level of basic skills and opportunities to use their initiative mean that they are exceptionally well equipped for their future education.

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Grade: 2

Teachers help pupils to learn in lively and active ways. Relationships are good and classroom management is of a high standard. This enhances the pupils' learning. Support staff are deployed very effectively to meet need where it is greatest. Pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities often learn well because of the individual help they are given. Pupils for whom English is an additional language, including those who arrive late in the school year, are also helped to make good progress. In some English lessons, too much time is spent talking about writing rather than doing the writing tasks. In some classes, fewer pupils reach their targets than in others. Teachers are given time to plan with colleagues from the same year groups, and this enhances the quality of their work. Planning is based on thorough assessments of the pupils, who 3 Inspection Report: Fairlop Primary School, 11 °12 September 2006

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Grade: 2

rightly point out that their work is well-marked. The impact of teaching on achievement is closely monitored by the deputy head. Information and communication technology (ICT) is used effectively in many lessons. A Year 6 mathematics lesson in the ICT suite was a good example of how technology is used to enhance work on numbers, with pupils working at different levels according to their ability.

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Grade: 1

The school's curriculum has improved significantly in recent years, and is excellent. The changes introduced have contributed to the pupils' good progress and their outstanding personal development. Pupils are developing the skills they will need later in their education and in the world beyond school. In particular, the development of ICT across the curriculum and the introduction of excellent resources have enriched their learning experiences. Specialist lessons, such as those in ICT and French, are provided during periods when class teachers are busy planning. Well devised links across subjects increase the efficiency of teaching as well as raising interest in lessons. A Year 4 literacy lesson, for instance, used scientific texts - about rabbits, bone structures and hiccups - as a way of demonstrating factual reports. The curriculum is enriched by visitors to the school, an excellent range of clubs and activities and

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Grade: 1

enterprise projects with a local high school. One pupil said, 'I like the facilities we have at this school - they enable children to take part and achieve more things.'

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Grade: 1

Care, guidance and support for pupils are outstanding and contribute very well to pupils' personal development. The school is an oasis of calm and has a warm and friendly atmosphere. It liaises closely with a range of outside agencies to ensure high levels of care and support for all pupils including those most at risk. Health and safety routines and risk assessments are in place. Child protection arrangements are effective and meet all requirements. Pupils express confidence that they have an adult to talk to about any worries. They are given excellent guidance in how to improve their work, both through marking and in meetings with teachers. They know exactly what they need to do to reach the next National Curriculum level and are motivated to achieve. Induction for pupils new to the school is thoughtfully planned and ensures that pupils settle in quickly. The school has made great strides in reaching out to parents to

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Grade: 1

support all pupils. One commented, 'I always feel as if my opinion is important.'

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Grade: 1

The quality of leadership and management is outstanding. The headteacher and other managers are unified in their drive to raise standards for all pupils. There is excellent communication at all levels within the school, and leaders' roles and responsibilities are clear. Monitoring and critical self-evaluation are now second nature, so that the 4 Inspection Report: Fairlop Primary School, 11 °12 September 2006 school's view of its performance is very accurate. This has moved the school on significantly over the last few years against a background of an increasingly diverse school population and high mobility among both staff and pupils. Data is used particularly well to identify areas for development. Training and shrewd recruitment has raised levels of expertise in key areas such as behaviour management and literacy. Extensive induction support is provided for new members of staff. The governing body

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Grade: 1

keeps itself well informed and discharges its responsibilities effectively. The school takes very good account of the views of pupils and parents. In view of its many achievements, the leadership of the school demonstrates an outstanding capacity to bring about further improvements. 5 Inspection Report: Fairlop Primary School, 11 °12 September 2006 .

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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: Fairlop Primary School, 11 °12 September 2006

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Inspection judgements

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

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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? 2 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

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Achievement and standards

2 How well do learners achieve? 2 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

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learners?

1 The extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 1 The behaviour of learners 3 The attendance of learners 1 How well learners enjoy their education 2 The extent to which learners adopt safe practices 1 The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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

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and interests of learners?

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

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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: Fairlop Primary School, 11 °12 September 2006

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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: Fairlop Primary School, 11 °12 September 2006

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

We enjoyed visiting your school and thank you for making us so welcome. It was good to be able to chat with you and to see some of your work. We agree with you that yours is a good school, and there are many things we like about it: • You all get on so well together and care for one another. • You take your jobs seriously and encourage one another. • You are taught well. Your lessons are interesting and fun, and you work hard and achieve well. • You know what you have to do to improve your work because teachers explain this clearly to you. • Your teachers are friendly and are there for you when you have a problem. • Your behaviour is excellent, and you know all about living a healthy lifestyle. • The headteacher and other leaders do an outstanding job. There isn't much about your school that could be better, but we noticed that you don't always seem to do as well in English as you do in science and mathematics. We think this is because

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

your writing isn't quite as good as it could be. So we are asking your teachers to think about ways of helping you to become more confident in writing. We are sure they would value your views, as we know they take notice of what you have to say. Thank you once again for your help. We hope you continue to enjoy the rest of your time at Fairlop Primary School. Yours sincerely, Mr. N. Butt, Lead Inspector. 9 Inspection Report: Fairlop Primary School, 11 °12 September 2006

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