St Stephen's CofE Primary School

St Stephen's CofE Primary School Inspection report

p.1

100353 Unique Reference Number Hammersmith and Fulham Local Authority 307371 Inspection number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Sheila Nolan Reporting inspector

p.1

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

p.1

Primary Type of school Voluntary aided School category 4 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 203 School The governing body Appropriate authority Miss Carol Stock Chair Mr Michael Schumm Headteacher 24 November 2003 Date of previous school inspection Uxbridge Road School address London W12 8LH 020 8743 4483 Telephone number 020 8743 9611 Fax number

p.1

4-11 Age group 17 January 2008 Inspection date 307371 Inspection number .

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 Additional Inspector. The inspector evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school and investigated the following issues:

p.3

Introduction

■ How well children in the Foundation Stage make progress.

p.3

Introduction

■ Do all groups of pupils achieve equally well?

p.3

Introduction

■ How effectively the curriculum, assessment and learning support, promote the pupils' personal development as well as their academic success. Evidence was gathered from the school's self-evaluation (SEF), by observing lessons, scrutinising the school's records of pupils' standards and achievement and other documentation, and by discussions with students and staff. Parents' responses to questionnaires also informed judgements. Other aspects of the school's work were not investigated in detail but inspectors found no evidence to suggest that the school's own evidence, as given in the SEF, were other than justified. These have been included where appropriate in this report.

p.3

Description of the school

St Stephen's CE Primary School is very popular with local families and is oversubscribed. It serves a community that is socially, economically and culturally very diverse and rapidly changing. This mix is reflected more among younger pupils but less so in older year groups where a high proportion of pupils, three quarters, enjoys a wide range of ethnic heritages. Over a third of these pupils has a home language other than English with a significant number at the early stages of learning English. Just over a third of pupils is eligible for a free school meal. The number of pupils with learning difficulties is similar to that nationally but the number of pupils with statements of special educational need, mainly substantial language delay, is twice the national average. Attainment on entry to the Reception Class is now broadly average.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 9 Inspection Report: St Stephen's CofE Primary School, 17 January 2008

p.3

Grade: 2

St Stephen's is a good school with a number of outstanding features. It has made giant strides between successive inspections and is now very well positioned to improve even further. This is reflected in the exceptionally positive views of parents who consider it 'a very special place that allows children to learn and flourish at their own pace.' Staff and pupils, too, express similar opinions. 'School is really exciting' said Year 6. Staff considers the best thing about St Stephen's is its 'happy, caring, supportive environment and strong home-school links'. The school well deserves its good local reputation. Standards are above average by the end of Year 6 and pupils achieve well from their sometimes below average starting points in the Reception Class. Their progress accelerates as they go through the school but they make the fastest progress in Year 6 because of a sharp focus on transition to secondary school and the national tests. There is no significant difference in the

p.4

Grade: 2

achievement of most groups of pupils but pupils at the early stages of learning English make very rapid gains in fluency. Those with delayed language development also make exceptional progress because of very carefully targeted support and strong links with outside agencies. Generally, able pupils are well served by the school but do not achieve equally well in all subject areas. This is reflected in the 2007 national test results where fewer reached the highest available levels in mathematics than in English and science. In Years 1 and 2, pupils maintain steady progress from the Reception class to reach average standards across writing, reading and mathematics. They do particularly well in writing because of the school's strong emphasis on literature and drama. The sustained improvements over five years at St Stephen's owe much to the inspirational leadership of the headteacher and the very committed staff. Outstanding leadership and

p.4

Grade: 2

management have ensured that each staff member is ambitious for the pupils. Teachers and support staff create a lively learning environment in which children can thrive whatever their starting points. A major strength of the school is the way each child is valued and resources targeted to meet social and emotional as well as learning needs. Pupils are clear about their well-considered targets to help to improve their learning. Governors, too, take their responsibilities seriously and play a full part in the school's development. Under the guidance of a very able chair, the school is challenged to be ever better. Self-evaluation is strong and generally accurate. Governors, together with the school, have rightly identified that teachers' classroom records should provided detail on pupils' learning to dovetail more closely with new whole-school tracking systems as current procedures are unwieldy. At the heart of the school's outstanding care, guidance and support for pupils is the way it

p.4

Grade: 2

involves parents and other external agencies in their nurture. This is central to the school's exceptional success with vulnerable pupils. Drama and music are used successfully not only to build pupils' confidence and stimulate school spirit but also to allow children the space to explore and manage their feelings. As a result, pupils' personal development is outstanding. Whole-school arrangements for pupils' academic guidance are also very effective but this information does not always find its way explicitly enough into lesson planning. As a result, not all pupils make as much progress in some lessons as they should. The school lays great store on maintaining a secure and safe environment in the midst of a busy inner-city hub. Good attention to basic skills together with high levels of encouragement for pupils to persevere with tasks ensures that students prepare very effectively for the next 4 of 9 Inspection Report: St Stephen's CofE Primary School, 17 January 2008

p.4

Grade: 2

stage of their education. They clearly enjoy school and the overwhelming majority attend regularly. Pupils are especially pleased with much-deserved rewards and are convinced that they will miss out on exciting happenings if absent. The school council run by pupils manages itself very efficiently with carefully collated files of activities and meetings. Members from all year groups are enthusiastic about their roles and are convinced they make a difference to others, accurately reflecting their opinions and suggestions. They also work very closely with the parents association, for example, at the summer and winter fairs. Pupils manage the fruit stall systematically and use their profits wisely to fund daily fruit for older pupils. They are rightly proud of their influence on playground equipment and healthier school meals. Pupils' spiritual, moral, cultural and social development is outstanding. Pupils are keen to

p.5

Grade: 2

celebrate and share each other's cultural traditions. They waxed enthusiastic about the international days and pointed out proudly the nationalities of their classrooms on the day. Relationships between children are harmonious and characterised by a marked tolerance and respect for each other and the adults around them. Most try to eat healthily, encouraged by the school's efforts to ensure ready access to fruit, water and nutritious meals. An increasing number cycle to school and take part in out-of-hours sports clubs. Pupils of all ages take on a range of responsibilities. They look forward to the daily religious assemblies and are clearly thrilled by the singing and the many opportunities for performance. Through the school productions, all are involved in music making and acting for local and national events. Consistently good teaching and an outstanding curriculum that is enriched greatly with many

p.5

Grade: 2

out-of-hours activities underpins the pupils' success in learning. Classrooms are lively and colourful with excellent celebratory and thought-provoking displays. Pupils engage very purposefully in learning because most teachers ensure they have interesting tasks to hold their attention. In a good literacy session, for example, pupils used models of nursery characters to prepare their own drama presentations. They were intrigued by their 'bags of models' from familiar tales. Sometimes, however, particularly in mathematics, teaching does not ensure that able pupils use their time well enough because tasks are too easy for them.

p.5

Grade: 1

There has been a rapid improvement in the provision for the Reception Year since the last inspection. It is now outstanding. The carefully planned pre-school assessment tasks ensure that the school now has accurate knowledge of pupils' starting points. Some year groups join the school with lower than average literacy skills. There are often particular weaknesses in linking sounds and letters. Assessments for the most recent intake show that pupils are of broadly average attainment but that the greatest support is needed in numbers and calculations. They are making fast progress, however, because of well- structured teaching. The smooth co-ordination of both inside and outside activities areas also promotes children's learning well. They thrive on exciting things to do such as pirate treasure hunts. In 2007, most pupils finished the Reception Year very securely within the expected goals for learning. They achieved highly

p.5

Grade: 1

in their personal, emotional and social development.

p.5

What the school should do to improve further

■ Ensure that able pupils have well-planned opportunities to extend their learning in all lessons, particularly in mathematics. ■ Ensure that teachers' records note more fully individual pupils' learning in lessons. 5 of 9 Inspection Report: St Stephen's CofE Primary School, 17 January 2008 .

p.5

What the school should do to improve further

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 of 9 Inspection Report: St Stephen's CofE Primary School, 17 January 2008

p.6

Inspection judgements

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

p.7

Overall effectiveness

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

p.7

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 1 How well learners with learning difficulties and disabilities make progress

p.7

learners?

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

p.7

and interests of learners?

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

p.7

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 of 9 Inspection Report: St Stephen's CofE Primary School, 17 January 2008

p.7

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 1 How effectively leaders and managers use challenging targets to raise standards 1 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation 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 of 9 Inspection Report: St Stephen's CofE Primary School, 17 January 2008

p.8

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

28 January 2008 Dear Pupils Inspection of St Stephen's CofE Primary School,London,W12 8LH Thank you for welcoming me to St Stephen's and for sharing not only your ideas and opinions but also your musical assembly and your lessons. Thank you, particularly to the school council that so ably shared their activities with me. I was especially impressed by the well-kept records and by the management of the finances for the daily fruit stall. You and your parents are rightly proud of St Stephen's. You all think that it is a fantastic school and I agree with you. It is a good school. Your exceptional headteacher, staff and governors want the best for you and are determined that you make as much progress as you can in lessons and in your personal development. Because you enjoy school so much, the vast majority of you attend regularly, work very hard and make fast progress, particularly in literacy. Staff know you all individually and look after you very well. You also help to look after others,

p.9

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

particularly those younger than you. You told me you feel really comfortable in school and that there is always someone to help you if you are distressed. You try to eat healthily and I was impressed by your understanding of the importance of fruit in your diet. You are confident to express your views but at the same time very ready to listen to others. You understand the importance of helping those outside your community and are ready to support children less fortunate than yourselves. When thinking about how it could be even better, your school is very clear that it would like to provide as many enrichment opportunities for you in mathematics as in literacy. I have also asked your teachers to make sure they always record their checks on your learning in lessons. I am sure you will continue to do your level best to cooperate with your teachers and continue to help support those in need of extra help.

p.9

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

I wish you a very happy future at St Stephen's and every success in your next drama production. Sheila Nolan Lead inspector 9 of 9 Inspection Report: St Stephen's CofE Primary School, 17 January 2008

p.9