Setting

Cambridge Education Demeter House Station Road Cambridge CB1 2RS T 01223 578500 F 01223 578501 Risp.inspections@camb-ed.com Ofsted helpline 0845 640 4045

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The Belfry Primary School Church of England VA Overstrand Cromer Road NR27 0NT

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

Thank you for the help which you and your staff gave when I inspected your school on 16 November, for the time you gave to our telephone discussions and for the information which you provided before and during my visit. Please pass on my thanks to the staff and pupils.

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

As a result of the inspection on 28 September 2005, the school was asked to improve the quality of teaching by utilising your range of monitoring procedures to share good practice. Senior staff were asked to increase their contribution and asked to involve parents and pupils in the development of the school. Weaknesses were identified in the provision for information and communication technology (ICT) and physical education.

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

Having considered all the evidence I am of the opinion that the school is making satisfactory progress in addressing the issues for improvement.

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

The 2006 provisional results of the national tests at Key Stage 2 are above the national average for English, mathematics and science. The headteacher’s report to the governing body confirms that outcomes in English were noticeably weaker in writing. The teacher assessments at Key Stage 1 show similar strengths in mathematics and weaknesses in writing. This data points to underachievement in Key Stage 2 English, notably in the higher order skills. A scrutiny of the pupils literacy books indicates that the weaknesses in writing evident in pupil performance at age 7 and 11 relate to inconsistencies in the teaching of writing as pupils move up through the school.

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

Teaching and learning are satisfactory. Pupils make appropriate progress when they are presented with challenging questions and activities. In other lessons, progress is slower because pupils are not actively involved, often working on mundane tasks. The quality of marking is inconsistent and does not regularly inform pupils on how to improve their work. HMI invited the headteacher to conduct a joint lesson observation; the lesson grade awarded was accurate and objective. The monitoring of teaching and learning is satisfactory. The deputy headteacher has accepted responsibility for the performance management of ancillary staff and this is being completed effectively. The governing body are redrafting the job descriptions of the deputy headteacher to bring this into line with national guidelines.

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

Inadequate progress has been made in consulting with pupils and involving them in the development of the school. No school council exists and the issues the pupils raised with HMI during this inspection, on accommodation and the curriculum reflect the areas noted for further development in this letter.

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

The school moved into new buildings during the summer term 2006. The school hall has improved the facilities for PE and staff have been trained to use the equipment. All pupils now have appropriate access to physical education. New electronic whiteboards provide greater opportunities for staff to use ICT to enhance learning. However, the ICT room, when completed, will only be able to accommodate teaching groups of 10 pupils. Curriculum provision for ICT requires further development. Outside play facilities in the Foundation Stage remain inadequate as contractors have failed to install the required storage facilities.

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

The contractor’s failure to complete the landscaping of the site has left kerbstones, exposed foundations and manhole covers as trip hazards on the approaches to the main entrance, the playground area, and on the verges close to classrooms. The Diocesan Education Authority should seek to resolve this health and safety issue with the contractors as a matter of urgency.

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

I hope that you have found the visit helpful in promoting improvement in your school.

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EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN JUDGED SATISFACTORY

I am copying this letter to the Secretary of State, the chair of the Governing Body, the Church of England Diocese of Norwich education authority and the Director of Children’s Services for Norfolk

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