Pickhurst Infant School

Pickhurst Infant School Inspection report

p.1

101598 Unique Reference Number Bromley Local Authority 307751 Inspection number 23 November 2007 Inspection date David Marshall Reporting inspector

p.1

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

p.1

Infant Type of school Community School category 4 °7 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 270 School The governing body Appropriate authority Mrs Hayley Kembey Chair Mrs Leonie Osborne Headteacher 4 February 2002 Date of previous school inspection Pickhurst Lane School address West Wickham BR4 0HL 020 8462 3196 Telephone number 020 8462 4640 Fax number

p.1

4-7 Age group 23 November 2007 Inspection date 307751 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 an Additional Inspector. The inspector evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school and investigated the pupils' achievement, the quality of the school's provision for mathematics, strategies for improving attendance and the impact on learning of aspects of the school accommodation. In addition, evidence was gathered from discussions and school documentation to evaluate the quality of teaching and learning and leadership and management. Other aspects of the school's work were not investigated in detail, but the inspection found no evidence to suggest that the school's own assessments, as given in its self-evaluation, were not justified, and these have been included in this report.

p.3

Description of the school

Pickhurst is an above average size infant school. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities is below the national average - as is the number with English as an additional language. The children on entry come from 24 different pre-school settings.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 9 Inspection Report: Pickhurst Infant School, 23 November 2007

p.3

Grade: 1

Pickhurst Infants is an outstanding school. One parent summed up the views of almost all by saying, 'We have been absolutely thrilled with the education our son has received at Pickhurst. Staff are friendly, caring and a really strong ethos of learning exists in the school.' The highly effective staff team, led by the outstanding headteacher, are responsible for the school's consistent success in providing high quality education. Each year the national test results show the pupils to be achieving outstandingly well. Behind these impressive results are excellent teaching and the outstanding care and guidance that enable pupils of all abilities and backgrounds to make substantial gains in their learning. When children start school, their skills and understanding are generally in line with those expected for their age. By the time they enter Year 1, they have made excellent progress and achieved very well and standards are above those expected for children of their age. National

p.4

Grade: 1

assessments for pupils at the end of Year 2 show that standards have never been less than well above average in the last five years. In 2007, the proportion of pupils who reached the expected levels in writing, reading, mathematics and science was exceptionally high, as was the number achieving the higher Level 3. All pupils, whatever their ability, achieve outstandingly well. The school's provision for those pupils who have learning difficulties or disabilities is exceptional, and as a result they make excellent progress. Pupils develop excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural qualities. They respond with great enthusiasm to all the school offers and are attentive and hard working. Even the youngest children have a strong awareness of the part they play in the school and beyond. One boy, independently, wrote to the local council expressing his concern over recycling issues and the school's dumping of coloured paper. Another explained with great passion the reason for their

p.4

Grade: 1

introduction of 'Friendship Benches' and how important is it for no one 'to feel lonely'. The school has very thorough procedures in place for safeguarding pupils. Pupils say that they feel safe and happy, and they also have a good awareness of how to eat and live healthily. They are eager participants in all of the school's physical activities. The views of almost all parents about these aspects were summed up by one who wrote, 'The school actively encourages exercise and healthy eating. They provide many extra-curricular activities and many events e.g. theatre productions, dance week and sports week. The children are encouraged to express themselves and are full of confidence.' Behaviour is exemplary and the pupils say that if they have a problem they feel that the adults working with them will sort it out. The school's excellent systems have also raised attendance levels so that they are now satisfactory, and constantly

p.4

Grade: 1

improving. The pupils' high standards in reading, writing and mathematics, excellent relationships and skills in working together prepare them excellently for the next stage of their education. Academic guidance is excellent. Pupils' progress is tracked closely and they are set challenging, individual, learning targets. There are very good systems to check their on-going progress towards these. This is backed up by the care taken over transition to the junior school, which is extremely thorough. In particular, the joint approach with the local junior school, led by the mathematics leader, has proved to be especially beneficial. The rich curriculum covers all subjects very well and is enhanced by a very good range of activities in the outstanding outdoor classrooms. The motivation of Year 1 pupils is enhanced through the use of their 'stuffed animals' and is outstanding. As one boy explained he really likes the tortoise and keeps on

p.4

Grade: 1

going, but it is the unicorn he likes best as it helps him to use his imagination better. Although the staff provide countless opportunities for individual pupils to shine, they are continuing to 4 of 9 Inspection Report: Pickhurst Infant School, 23 November 2007 refine the curriculum to ensure the individual talents of each member of staff are used to the best effect and lessons continue to be as exciting and relevant as they can make them. The impact of the outstanding leadership at all levels is seen in the excellent progress made by the pupils. The headteacher and senior managers work exceptionally well in partnership with each other and all respond eagerly to new initiatives and responsibility. As one parent wrote, 'Overall we think the school is outstanding, happy and joyful. The headmistress is most impressive, combining authority with a tender, loving, demeanour.' The foundations of the school's success lie in the staff's commitment in following this exemplary lead to meet the

p.4

Grade: 1

needs of all. The school has an excellent track record of achieving high standards that has been maintained through constantly seeking to improve. The excellent governing body is fully involved in this process, challenging decisions and requesting explanations where necessary. The wide range of skills they bring to their work is currently focusing on the problem of the poor quality and state of repair of the Year 2 mobile classrooms. All those involved with the school have this determination not to rest on their laurels and the school has an excellent capacity to improve.

p.5

Grade: 1

Children make an excellent start to their education in the Reception classes. The huge level of commitment and care shown by all Foundation Stage staff is evident in the way that all children settle into the school so well and immediately begin to learn. As one parent wrote, 'The settling in process of new reception children is excellent, ensuring children feel safe and secure and allowing them to move forward at their own pace.' Staff work especially hard to give the children a real sense of determining their own way forward, which guarantees their full involvement in all activities. Children make rapid progress and achieve exceptionally well, especially in their language and social and emotional development. Adults have high expectations, provide very clear routines and enable children to build strong, positive relationships. The enthusiasm and enjoyment of the children, as they put together their 'Jungle Rap', performed their 'magic' in

p.5

Grade: 1

their circus, or painted their elephants, was spellbinding. The classrooms are all stimulating and resources are used exceptionally well as children move from one to another. The outstanding outside areas provide the same exciting level of challenge and stimulation, especially for the more capable children. Staff get to know the children very well. They make a careful note of all responses and feedback. The information collected about children is used particularly well to ensure that the least able and most vulnerable settle well.

p.5

What the school should do to improve further

Although there are no major issues for improvement, the inspector agrees with the school that it should

p.5

What the school should do to improve further

■ further refine the curriculum to make sure that the interests and talents of all staff are used to optimum effect to make all lessons as exciting as possible. 5 of 9 Inspection Report: Pickhurst Infant School, 23 November 2007 .

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: Pickhurst Infant School, 23 November 2007

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

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

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 3 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: Pickhurst Infant School, 23 November 2007

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: Pickhurst Infant School, 23 November 2007

p.8

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

4 December 2007 Dear Pupils Inspection of Pickhurst Infant School,West Wickham,BR4 0HL Thank you for making me so welcome in your school and talking to me about your feelings, ambitions and thoughts. It was a delight to meet you and I really enjoyed looking at your work and joining in your lessons. I am glad to tell you that I think your school is outstanding and provides you with a really good start to your education. I was particularly pleased with these things:

p.9

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your headteacher and staff do a super job in organising the school and looking after you.

p.9

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You are all making excellent progress with your work

p.9

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You behave very well, work hard and listen carefully to your teachers - all of this helps you to succeed ■ All the adults in the school look after you very carefully. They always make sure that you get help if you need it. Your teachers and support staff work hard to help you to do as well as you can. I have asked them to keep working on planning the curriculum to make sure that they all use what they are best at and make your lessons as exciting as they possibly can be. I wish you well in the future and hope that you will always be as happy as you are at Pickhurst Infant School. David Marshall Lead inspector 9 of 9 Inspection Report: Pickhurst Infant School, 23 November 2007

p.9