St Gregory and St Patrick's Catholic Infant School

Inspection Report St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School

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112355 Unique Reference Number Cumbria Local Authority 289256 Inspection number 14 °15 February 2007 Inspection dates Stephen Isherwood HMI 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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Esk Avenue School address Infant Type of school Corkickle, Whitehaven Voluntary aided School category Cumbria, CA28 8AJ 3 °7 Age range of pupils 01946 852666 Telephone number Mixed Gender of pupils 01946 694310 Fax number 310 Number on roll (school) Mrs Audrey Parish Chair The governing body Appropriate authority Mr Anthony Dwyer Headteacher 1 January 2003 Date of previous school inspection

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Inspection number Inspection dates Age group 289256 14 °15 February 2007 3°7 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 of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools and two Additional Inspectors.

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Description of the school

This school is situated close to the centre of Whitehaven and serves an area of mixed housing. It is larger than most infant schools. Pupils are drawn from a wide range of social backgrounds and all are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is above average. The number of pupils identified as having learning difficulties and/or disabilities is average. A care club operates from the school premises both before and after school. The facilities are managed by the governing body and are subject to a separate inspection which will be available on the Ofsted website.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 1 Inspection Report: St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School, 14 °15 February 2007

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Grade: 2

‘My son feels cared for, protected and loved, which goes a long way in helping his confidence to learn.’ This sentiment, expressed by one parent and echoed overwhelmingly by other parents is the essence of what makes St Gregory’s and St Patrick’s a good school with some outstanding features. Pupils reach high standards and achieve well. Their personal development is outstanding. This is because of good teaching, an excellent curriculum and high levels of care and support. Pupils enjoy coming to school, feel safe and behave very well. They have an excellent awareness of the importance of keeping fit and eating healthily through the school’s outstanding range of activities and opportunities. The high quality relationships between staff, pupils, parents and governors are the hallmark of the school and reflect the strong Christian ethos that prevails. This is a bright, vibrant school at the heart of the

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Grade: 2

community that extends a warm welcome to everyone who walks through the door. There are excellent partnerships with other schools and agencies. High quality displays on walls and in classrooms are engaging. Pupils’ achievements are celebrated with care and pride. The school places great emphasis on developing pupils’ awareness of protecting the local environment, through conservation and recycling. Pupils are actively involved in monitoring energy consumption through the school’s own wind turbine and solar panels. With such an enthusiastic approach to all things ‘green’, the school leads the way as an ‘Eco’ school. As a consequence, pupils have an excellent understanding of how they can make a positive contribution to the local community by making a difference to the environment. Under the strong leadership of the headteacher and deputy headteacher, previous strengths have been maintained and the school is set on an upward trend in

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Grade: 2

performance. Children make good progress from the moment they enter the Nursery. This is because of the strong teaching in the early years where activities are well planned to capture the interest and enthusiasm of all learners. Pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make excellent progress because of the high quality support they receive. By Year 2, standards in reading, writing and mathematics are exceptionally high. Teaching in other classes is often good and outstanding. However, it is weaker in Year 1, where expectations and challenge could be higher, resulting in pupils making slower progress than at other stages. The school is not complacent and has a strong appetite for change. Despite strengths in management, senior leaders have correctly identified that there is a lack of consistency in checking and rectifying weaknesses in teaching, which is holding back the rate of achievement for some pupils. However, the school has made good progress

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Grade: 2

since the last inspection and has good capacity to improve further. It provides good value for money. 2 Inspection Report: St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School, 14 °15 February 2007

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What the school should do to improve further

• Improve the consistency of teaching and progress in Year 1 by adding more challenge and interest to lessons. • Establish more frequent and rigorous checks on the quality of teaching and learning.

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Grade: 2

Standards are very high and have been consistently high for several years. This represents good achievement. However, pupils achieve less successfully in Year 1 where progress is satisfactory. When children first enter the school their attainment is in line with what is typical for pupils of this age. The strong provision in the Nursery and Foundation Stage means that they get off to a really good start and make good gains in their learning. By the beginning of Year 1 they reach and frequently exceed the nationally expected levels for their age. Work in lessons and pupils’ books confirms that progress in Year 1 is satisfactory but pupils lose some ground compared to the promise they showed in Reception. Progress picks up as the quality of teaching improves and by the end of Year 2 standards are consistently high in reading, writing and mathematics. High numbers of pupils reach the standard expected for 7 year olds and a good proportion attain above this level.

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Grade: 2

Pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities achieve exceptionally well in relation to their capabilities. Their achievement reflects one of the key strengths of the school. There is no significant difference in the achievement of boys and girls. All do equally well.

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Grade: 1

Personal development and well-being are outstanding and contribute significantly to the progress pupils make. They enjoy coming to school, display first-rate attitudes to learning and behave very well. They have excellent spiritual, moral and social awareness. Their cultural development is good and pupils have a strong understanding of their own cultural heritage and their place in the wider world. Pupils have a excellent understanding how to keep themselves healthy and fit, for example, by choosing healthy snacks, eating healthy meals and by participating in a wide range of sporting and physical activities. The school council members are enthusiastic ambassadors for the school, take their responsibilities very seriously and make a positive difference to school life. Pupils make an excellent contribution to the wider community through their focus on conservation and recycling issues, by their fundraising for local charities, and by developing strong links with families in other

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Grade: 1

countries. The pupils’ awareness of environmental issues is exceptionally well developed. 3 Inspection Report: St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School, 14 °15 February 2007 Some pupils were involved in the application to site a wind turbine in the school grounds and as a group; they conscientiously monitor the school’s energy consumption. Independence is very effectively encouraged throughout school and pupils are given many opportunities to take responsibility for their learning. High levels of basic skills and opportunities to work together contribute significantly to their future economic well being. Pupils enjoy school and their attendance is above average.

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Grade: 2

Teaching and learning are good and this explains why overall progress is good. However, it is not consistent in Year 1 where in some classes, pupils are not sufficiently challenged and their learning slows. Particular strengths in teaching are when activities build briskly on prior knowledge and the teaching methods used match the aims of the lesson. Relationships between pupils and teachers are very positive and encourage pupils to learn. Generally, lesson activities are interesting, well planned and the school is challenging those who are talented so that they achieve as well as they can. Supporting adults ensure that work is well-matched to the capabilities of those who are vulnerable or who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This means that these pupils make excellent progress. Where teaching was outstanding, pupils were engrossed in their work, teachers had very high expectations of what pupils could

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Grade: 2

achieve and the interesting content resulted in lessons proceeding at a brisk pace.

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Grade: 1

The curriculum is outstanding, and ensures all pupils have equal access. It is very relevant to the needs of all pupils and prepares them exceptionally well for the next phase of their education. The curriculum is enriched well through the provision of examples of high quality environmental awareness; the school gets much of its power from a wind turbine in the school field and a significant proportion of its hot water from solar panels on the roof. These ventures are monitored closely by the pupils. As a result, their economic awareness is particularly strong. The curriculum is responding positively to local needs by establishing the school as a local facility, placing it at the hub of the community. All pupils enjoy the extensive programme of enrichment that the school provides through its focus on providing excellent opportunities to learn through involvement in the Arts. There is a very good range of after school clubs and

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Grade: 1

activities, particularly in dance and drama. High standards in literacy are supported especially well by opportunities being given for pupils to write for a range of purpose, across other subjects. Easy access to computers ensures that pupils have a good awareness of the use of modern technology for learning. Pupils acquire an exceptionally strong understanding of safety issues and the importance of healthy living. 4 Inspection Report: St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School, 14 °15 February 2007

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Grade: 2

The school’s provision for pupils’ care guidance and support is good with some outstanding features. Pupils are exceptionally well cared for and supported from the moment they start school. As a result they make good progress in their learning. Careful attention is paid to child protection and health and safety issues. Nursery children have good induction procedures and parents are fully involved in the transition from school to home. Good liaison between all school staff ensures that pupils’ social development is tracked very effectively. Consequently, staff are able to respond immediately to any concerns. Pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are quickly identified and supported well through the excellent links which are established with outside agencies. However, there is some inconsistency in the school’s procedures for checking on teaching and learning, which leads to some pupils in Year

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Grade: 2

1 making slower progress than at other stages. Parents remark strongly on the special caring atmosphere and the strong Christian ethos that prevails. All staff consistently praise pupils, encourage independence and raise pupils’ self-esteem.

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Grade: 2

The leadership and management of the school are good, an improvement on the school’s judgement of satisfactory. The high standards identified at the time of the last inspection have been maintained and improved. This is because of the strong leadership of the headteacher and deputy headteacher, who work with energy and determination to push the school forward. As a consequence, the school is set on an upward trend in performance. Since the time of the last inspection, they have successfully led the drive to raise standards further in mathematics and in reading. This has been achieved by a strong emphasis on teamwork and providing high levels of support for all pupils. As a result, there is a fervent commitment to creating a positive learning environment where every child is exceptionally well cared for and is encouraged to grow in confidence and self-esteem. The school’s view of its strengths and areas for improvement is largely accurate.

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Grade: 2

However, a lack of urgency and consistency by subject leaders in identifying weaknesses in teaching and learning are holding back the rate of achievement for some pupils. The governing body plays an important part in shaping the school’s direction. It has a good understanding of its role and responsibilities and is increasingly aware about what is happening in school. Its members are extremely committed and offer good support and challenge to the school. As a consequence and along with its other strengths, the school is well placed to improve still further. 5 Inspection Report: St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School, 14 °15 February 2007 .

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Grade: 2

set out in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 Inspection Report: St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School, 14 °15 February 2007

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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 3 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation 2 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? 1 The standards 1 reached by learners How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners 1 How well learners with learning difficulties and disabilities make progress

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learners?

2 The extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 1 The behaviour of learners 2 The attendance of learners 1 How well learners enjoy their education 1 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?

2 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: St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School, 14 °15 February 2007

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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: St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School, 14 °15 February 2007

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School Esk Avenue Corkickle Whitehaven Cumbria CA28 8AJ 16 February 2007 Dear Pupils As you know, Mr Stafford, Mrs Rotheram and I visited your school recently to find out how well you are learning. We enjoyed our two days with you, and thank you for being so polite and friendly. We were made to feel very welcome. I am writing to let you know what we found out. Firstly, we would like you to know that you go to a good school. We are delighted that you work hard and behave really well. We liked the way you care for each other and for others less fortunate than yourselves through your fundraising. We were impressed with all the opportunities you have to keep fit and eat healthily. We were very pleased to see that you make an excellent contribution to the community by caring for your environment. We hope that you continue to check the amount of energy the school uses through the wind turbine.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

We were pleased to see that you are taught well, feel safe and make good progress in you learning. Mr Dwyer and all the staff and governors work very hard to make the school as good as it can be and we are sure that it will continue to improve. We have asked them to do two things which will help make your school even better. Firstly, we have asked if they can make some lessons more interesting and challenging to enable some of you to make even more progress. Secondly, we have asked them to improve management, by making sure that they look more closely at how well you are learning. Thank you for helping us with the inspection. Yours sincerely Steve Isherwood Her Majesty’s Inspector of Schools 9 Inspection Report: St Gregory's and St Patrick's Catholic Community School, 14 °15 February 2007

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