Portfields Primary School

Inspection Report Portfields Combined School

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131718 Unique Reference Number Milton Keynes Local Authority 293824 Inspection number 15 January 2007 Inspection date Steven Hill 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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Westbury Lane School address Primary Type of school Newport Pagnell Community School category MK16 8PS 4 °11 Age range of pupils 01908 616060 Telephone number Mixed Gender of pupils 01908 610793 Fax number 544 Number on roll (school) Mr David Tyler Chair The governing body Appropriate authority Ms Mary St-Amour Headteacher 11 March 2002 Date of previous school inspection

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Inspection number Inspection date Age group 293824 15 January 2007 4 °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 an Additional Inspector.

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Description of the school

This is a large primary school that, up to July 2006, also took pupils up to the end of Year 7. The social circumstances of pupils are wide ranging but are broadly average. The large majority of pupils are of White British heritage, with about 15% coming from a range of other ethnic backgrounds. There are currently several Traveller families on roll. The mobility of pupils is somewhat above average, particularly in the oldest classes. Relatively few pupils have a mother tongue other than English. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities is below average. Teaching staff turnover has been relatively high in the last few years. Children's attainment when they start in Reception is broadly average, but their mathematical skills are relatively high, with writing skills significantly weaker.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 1 Inspection Report: Portfields Combined School, 15 January 2007

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Grade: 1

Portfields provides an outstanding education for its pupils, as it did at the last inspection. High standards have been maintained and attendance has improved. This is because of outstanding leadership and management, which mean the school is well placed to maintain and build on its achievements. Pupils' achievement, personal development and well-being are all outstanding. Excellent provision in the Foundation Stage means that children's overall standards are above average in all areas by the time they go into Year 1. Pupils continue to make very good progress, so that almost all reach the expected standards by the end of Year 2. Many exceed them, except in writing, where the number gaining the higher grade is average, because of pupils' lower starting points in this aspect. Standards are exceptionally high by the end of the school. Almost all pupils meet the expected standards by the end of Year 6 with high numbers exceeding them, including in writing.

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Grade: 1

Pupils thoroughly enjoy school and take a pride in their achievements. Their behaviour is excellent and they have very good relationships with staff and each other. They have very positive attitudes to learning and take on responsibilities conscientiously. Attendance is good. Pupils have a very good understanding of healthy lifestyles, which they embrace enthusiastically. The very positive outcomes stem from outstanding teaching, very high levels of care, support and guidance, and a wide ranging curriculum that has excellent provision for enrichment. Teachers plan very effectively to meet pupils' individual needs, based on the school's very thorough assessments. High quality marking and specific individual targets ensure that pupils know how they are doing and how to improve. Teachers are using the new interactive whiteboards well to make lessons more interesting for pupils, and those with high levels of expertise show outstanding skills in this. The pastoral

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Grade: 1

care provided for pupils is very good, with outstanding help given to those who have particular needs or difficulties. The enhancement of the curriculum by a very wide range of visits, visitors and clubs contributes very effectively to pupils' achievements and enthusiasm. The excellent provision is firmly underpinned by the outstanding leadership and management. Rigorous monitoring of teaching ensures that teachers are given clear guidance to improve their practice and maintain high standards. Careful tracking of pupils' progress gives a very clear view of strengths and weaknesses. The school is quick to address the latter with effective action, whether for individual pupils, groups or the school as a whole. This very effective self-evaluation and the very good teamwork by all staff lie at the heart of the school's success. For example, hard work by all concerned has raised standards and provision in information and communication

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Grade: 1

technology (ICT) and pupils now have very good skills in using computers. The school has correctly identified that the use of ICT to support work in other subjects, while including some very good practice, is better in some subjects than in others. 2 Inspection Report: Portfields Combined School, 15 January 2007

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What the school should do to improve further

Although the school has no major issues that need addressing, the inspector agreed with senior staff that they should concentrate on • Improving the consistency of the use of ICT in different subjects, and sharing the high levels of expertise of some staff to raise standards even further. • Increasing further the proportion of pupils who attain high standards of writing in the younger classes.

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Grade: 1

Achievement is outstanding and pupils' standards in English, mathematics and science are exceptionally high by the time they leave Year 6. This is because of excellent teaching and very good provision for academic guidance. The latter, in particular, ensures that all pupils make similarly strong progress, regardless of ability, gender or background. There is variation in standards from year-to-year because of different levels of ability in each cohort, but the trend is upwards. High standards in singing and in using computers were also observed during the inspection. Children start school with broadly average standards, although their early writing skills are relatively weak. They make excellent progress in Reception, and their attainment in all aspects of the areas of learning are above average by the time they go into Year 1, although standards in writing are still below those in reading or mathematics.

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Grade: 1

Excellent progress continues across Key Stages 1 and 2. Almost all pupils reach the expected levels and high numbers exceed them, especially in Year 6. Last year's results in English were particularly strong and reflected the school's successful focus on improving pupils' writing skills. At Year 2, good numbers also gain the higher levels, except in writing, where the number gaining level 3, while rising, is only slightly above average.

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Grade: 1

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. Excellent behaviour is based on pupils' very good relationships with each other and with staff. Pupils work hard in class and are confident in expressing their views. They know their views are listened to, particularly through the very effective use by every class of 'Circle Times' when teachers encourage pupils to give their opinions and to analyse their feelings. Pupils are very thoughtful and reflective when required, and respond sensitively to difficult issues. They know how to keep themselves safe and say that bullying is very rare, and, on the few occasions it does occur, is very effectively dealt with by staff. Pupils are enthusiastic about all aspects of school. They particularly enjoy sports and are keen to participate, showing great pride in the achievements of their cross-country team. They understand the importance of hard work, saying their

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Grade: 1

3 Inspection Report: Portfields Combined School, 15 January 2007 success is '...because we train a lot!' Their excellent basic skills, positive attitudes and good teamwork stand them in very good stead for their future lives, in school and out. They are growing up into confident, mature young people with high levels of self-esteem.

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Grade: 1

The high quality teaching includes a large proportion of outstanding lessons. Positive relationships with pupils underpin high standards of discipline and the purposeful working atmosphere that permeates classrooms. Pupils strive to meet the high expectations of work and behaviour that their teachers set. Work is carefully matched to pupils' needs and they are given a good understanding of how they are getting on. Pupils work hard to reach the specific individual targets that teachers set, and take a pride in meeting them. Pupils say that lessons are fun, particularly when teachers use the interactive whiteboards to make things more interesting. Lessons have a very good pace and a lot of ground is covered effectively in a short time, so that pupils often make excellent progress. Pupils are fully involved in lessons by a variety of strategies. Teachers give them many opportunities to contribute and to express their ideas, and they do so

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Grade: 1

confidently because they know their views are valued. The frequent use of 'talking partners' where pupils discuss their ideas in pairs is effective in helping them clarify their thinking.

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Grade: 1

The curriculum is wide ranging and interesting. As well as firm commitment to the 'basics' of English, mathematics and science, there is very good coverage in depth of all the subjects of the National Curriculum. The creative aspects of the curriculum are also stressed and pupils say how much they enjoy the different subjects they study, including design and technology, French, music and sports. Pupils' good basic ICT skills are enhanced by learning how to type. There is excellent provision to enrich the curriculum. Pupils go on a wide range of visits which are all carefully linked to their studies back in class, and help raise standards and generate enthusiasm. The regular, structured use of 'Circle Time' makes a very effective contribution to pupils' personal development, as does the residential visit undertaken in Year 4. Visitors make a great contribution to pupils' learning. They include both people from the local community and specialists who contribute to specific

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Grade: 1

curriculum areas, such as a professional football coach and a creative arts group who visited during the inspection. There are many clubs which cover a wide range of interests, including music, sports and the very popular cookery clubs. The school has 4 Inspection Report: Portfields Combined School, 15 January 2007 a 'Healthy Schools' award and an 'Activemark' demonstrating its excellent promotion of healthy lifestyles.

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Grade: 1

Pupils are all valued and looked after very well. Provision to safeguard learners meets requirements. Exceptional provision is made to care for pupils who have particular problems, and letters from parents show how much this is appreciated. The school's extensive provision to support the government's 'Every Child Matters' agenda is very successful as is shown by pupils' outstanding personal development. The support given to Traveller pupils, to those 'looked after' by the local authority and to other pupils who arrive at different times ensures that they all settle well into school, quickly making friends and succeeding academically. Good systems are in place to support bilingual pupils, who do well. There are thorough and extensive systems to track how well individuals are doing and to support them if they are not making the progress they should. Good use is made of national programmes and, where needed, the school devises and implements its

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Grade: 1

own intervention to meet the specific needs of each individual, making good use of the very skilled teaching assistants.

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Grade: 1

The school's success is strongly supported by the high quality of leadership and management. The headteacher gives very clear educational direction to the school, and senior colleagues give strong support. All staff work together as a team to ensure that the high quality of provision is maintained and is built upon constantly. Self-evaluation is accurate and effective. It is based upon careful monitoring of pupils' progress and of the quality of teaching and learning in lessons. The latter has enabled the maintenance of high quality teaching despite significant staff changes. Staff are given clear feedback about their performance, and very good support to help them improve. Subject leaders play a full part in this, gaining a good understanding of strengths and weaknesses across the school, and helping to drive improvements. This has contributed, for example, to the raised standards in writing over the last year and

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Grade: 1

the successful introduction of interactive whiteboards in each class. The school is innovative and is always looking to see how it can improve further, for example through its links with other schools and universities. The lack of complacency and the willingness of all to work together to raise standards is a key to the school's success. Governors support the school effectively, have good systems to ensure they know what is happening, and meet all their statutory obligations. 5 Inspection Report: Portfields Combined School, 15 January 2007 .

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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: Portfields Combined School, 15 January 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? 1 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

1 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?

1 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 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: Portfields Combined School, 15 January 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: Portfields Combined School, 15 January 2007

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Thank you for all your help when I visited your school. I enjoyed watching you at work and talking to you about the school. I would like to say a special thank you to pupils in Years 2 and 6 who took time to speak to me during the afternoon. You were very helpful in helping me to understand what the school is like. You all told me you liked school and I could see why. I think that Portfields is an outstanding school, and these are the main reasons why. You all make excellent progress because of the outstanding teaching. By the end of the school, you do really well in English, maths and science, and standards are getting higher each year. You are already doing well by Year 2. You are very good at writing, but not quite as good as you are at reading and maths, and I have agreed with the teachers that they are going to try to improve this. You can help by carrying on working hard. I was very impressed by how well you all behave and how well you get on with each other and

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

with the staff. The children I saw were friendly, sensible and seemed really to enjoy lessons, and to work hard. You told me you thought that lessons were most interesting when teachers used the interactive whiteboards to help you learn. I have agreed with the headteacher that the teachers who are particularly good at this are going to help the others, so that lessons are even more interesting in future. You already have lots of interesting things to do in lessons and clubs, and all the extra visits and visitors make things more exciting, and help you to learn even more. As well as all the usual subjects, you are learning extra things, such as French and how to type. The staff keep a very careful eye on how you are getting on, so they make sure work is just right for you, and that everyone is safe, happy and well cared-for. The headteacher, deputy head, other staff and governors are very good at organising the school and are always looking

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

for ways to make it better. With your help, I am sure they will succeed. I hope you all carry on enjoying school, best wishes, Steven Hill Lead inspector 9 Inspection Report: Portfields Combined School, 15 January 2007

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