Whoberley Hall Primary School

Whoberley Hall Primary School Inspection report

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103674 Unique Reference Number Coventry Local Authority 308380 Inspection number 3 °4 October 2007 Inspection dates Helen Barter 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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Primary Type of school Community School category 3 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 181 School The governing body Appropriate authority John Kendrick Chair Nicola Simmons Headteacher 25 May 2004 Date of previous school inspection Overdale Road School address Coventry CV5 8AJ 02476 673452 Telephone number 02476 717573 Fax number

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3-11 Age group 3 °4 October 2007 Inspection dates 308380 Inspection number .

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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 two Additional Inspectors.

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Description of the school

The school is located near Coventry city centre. Ten different minority ethnic groups are represented in the school population, but most pupils are from White British backgrounds. A small proportion of pupils are at the early stages of learning English. The number of pupils identified as having learning difficulties and/or disabilities is above the national average. More pupils join and leave the school in different year groups and particularly at the end of the Nursery year. The school opened the First Friends Foundation Unit in September 2005 and, in the afternoon, provides care for Nursery age children for which their parents pay.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 11 Inspection Report: Whoberley Hall Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007

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Grade: 3

Whoberley Hall is a satisfactory, and improving, school. Parents greatly appreciate the improvements made under the leadership of the headteacher, typically commenting, 'I would be happy to recommend the school to any of my family and friends and I am sure the school will go from strength to strength.' Children make a good start to school in the Foundation Unit. Accurate assessment of children's early learning helps teachers to have a clear understanding of what pupils should achieve as they move through the school. Results in the 2007 Year 2 assessments and Year 6 tests improved as a direct result of better use by teachers of information about pupils' progress and higher expectations of their learning. Standards at the end of Year 6 have improved from well below average in the past three years to broadly average, and pupils' achievement is now satisfactory. Teaching is satisfactory and there are good features in many lessons. However, school data

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Grade: 3

show that pupils do not achieve as well in some classes as in others and that more able pupils do not always make as much progress as their classmates. Pupils enjoy school, typically describing it as, 'a big family where teachers are really kind and help you'. They receive good care, guidance and support and this helps them develop well. They behave well and have positive attitudes to learning. They respect others and learn to lead safe and healthy lifestyles because all adults in the school set them a good example. Pupils make a good contribution to the community. They support local events and charities and the school council plays an important part in making their school a better place to be. Pupils cooperate well with each other, share ideas and take responsibility. They are satisfactorily prepared for the future. The school's commitment to 'Unlock the Magic of Learning' has led to the introduction of a

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Grade: 3

new curriculum. Pupils enjoy greater opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge through topics such as 'The Rainforest'. The school recognises it needs to evaluate how effective the curriculum is now in raising standards in the foundation subjects, and providing pupils with wider opportunities to practise their literacy and numeracy skills. Accurate evaluation of performance has led the school to identify key priorities for improvement. Improved staff stability has enabled the headteacher to delegate leadership and management responsibilities to others, although not all leaders and managers yet have sufficient expertise in identifying and monitoring the precise actions required to bring about the school's development priorities. Staff, and governors, are dedicated to school improvement. As seen in the rising standards and pupils' improved achievement, they have satisfactory capacity to bring

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Grade: 2

Children's achievement in the Foundation Unit is good because staff understand how young children learn and teach them well. Children join the Nursery with lower than expected skills for their age. They make good progress and most reach their early learning goals by the end of the Reception year. Staff support each child skilfully and plan exciting activities that develop their curiosity in learning and encourage them to explore new skills for themselves. There is a strong focus on promoting children's personal and social skills so they play and learn together well through the wide range of inside and outdoor activities. Children's literacy skills are 4 of 11 Inspection Report: Whoberley Hall Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007 promoted well, especially their ability to listen, express ideas and develop early writing skills. All staff monitor children's progress well and ensure that new activities extend their knowledge

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Grade: 2

and understanding, although the mathematical understanding of some more able children is not always extended fully. Nursery children are cared for well in the afternoon. While some rest, many freely choose to join in with the older children's activities and gain a great deal from the extended provision available to them.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Spread the good practice in teaching so that pupils, especially the more able, make even progress each year and reach higher standards by the time they leave. ■ Evaluate the effectiveness of the new curriculum in raising standards in the foundation subjects and improving pupils' literacy and numeracy skills. ■ Develop the expertise of leaders and managers in identifying, and monitoring the effectiveness of, the actions needed to fulfil the school's priorities for development. A small proportion of the schools whose overall effectiveness is judged satisfactory but which have areas of underperformance will receive a monitoring visit by an Ofsted inspector before their next section 5 inspection.

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Grade: 3

Pupils' achievement during their time in school is satisfactory. Improved assessment of their progress has resulted in faster rates of learning than in the past. Standards at the end of Year 2 improved from being exceptionally low in 2006 to below average in 2007, although pupils did not do as well in writing as they did in reading and mathematics. Standards at the end of Year 6 have been well below average since the last inspection but rose in 2007 to be broadly average. Targets set for pupils were adequately challenging and they were met in English. However, mathematics targets were not met because fewer than expected pupils reached the higher levels. School data and pupils' work indicate that progress, while uneven across year groups, is generally improving. Nevertheless, more able pupils need greater challenge if they are to do better. Pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who are learning

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Grade: 3

to speak English make the same satisfactory progress as others because effective support is provided.

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Grade: 2

Pupils' social and moral skills are particular strengths of their personal development. Their relationships are good and they respect one another's differences. Pupils know the difference between right and wrong. They understand expectations for their behaviour in lessons, although some younger pupils are restless at times when teaching lacks interest and challenge. Pupils' behaviour in assembly, at lunchtime and in the playground is very good. Pupils enjoy school and are happy being with their friends and adults. They are confident that any bullying is dealt with fairly and greatly appreciate the time that adults take to listen to their worries. Pupils lead safe and healthy lifestyles. They enjoy eating a balanced diet at lunchtimes and say that taking part in sport and dance helps them to be fit and healthy. Pupils are proud of the help they give to charities and the money they have raised to improve playtimes for everyone. Pupils'

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Grade: 2

attendance is satisfactory. They have good interpersonal skills and are satisfactorily prepared for the next stage of their education. 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Whoberley Hall Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007

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Grade: 3

Pupils enjoy lessons because teachers manage their behaviour well and make classrooms interesting places to learn. Skilled teaching assistants contribute considerably to the quality of teaching and learning across the school and provide caring, well-focused support for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. For the most part, teachers plan satisfactorily for the different ages and abilities within their classes. However, pupils' progress is uneven because there are still some lessons where the pace of learning is too slow and the expectation of what they can achieve could be higher. Assessment information is now being used more effectively to identify pupils who need specific support or more challenge. This is particularly good in the three Years 5/6 literacy and numeracy groups, where teachers continually assess how well pupils are doing and move them up and down within different topics to support or accelerate

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Grade: 3

The recently introduced International Primary Curriculum provides pupils of all abilities with interesting activities which help them understand how subjects link together and which they greatly enjoy. Information and communication technology (ICT) resources have improved well since the last inspection and pupils have good opportunities to develop their ICT skills through the topics. The school recognises the need to develop more planned opportunities for pupils to practise their literacy and numeracy skills in the same way, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the new curriculum in improving pupils' learning across all subjects. Good emphasis is given to developing pupils' personal skills and understanding of how to lead healthy lives and care for others. Pupils thoroughly enjoy the wide range of clubs and activities outside lessons. These contribute successfully to their social and physical development and to their learning, especially

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Grade: 2

The pastoral care provided is very good. Pupils greatly appreciate the help and guidance they receive to behave well. As one boy explained, 'We are not shouted at but talked to, and it takes all the anger out of your body.' Staff ensure that vulnerable pupils play their part in all aspects of school life. Rigorous attention is given to ensuring that the school is a safe and secure environment and that safeguarding procedures are fully implemented. Pupils receive good academic guidance. Marking in their books helpfully tells them what they have done well and what the next steps to improvement are. The school recognises that individual target setting for literacy and numeracy is proving successful with Year 5 and 6 pupils, but the practice has yet to be implemented consistently in other classes. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Whoberley Hall Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007

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Grade: 3

Over the last year, the headteacher and senior leaders have concentrated effectively on raising standards, and now pupils' achievement is better than before. Although there is more to do to ensure that all pupils make consistently good progress, there are signs that the right action is taking effect. Regular and accurate monitoring and evaluation of teaching and pupils' progress by senior leaders has raised expectations of pupils' achievement and helped the school to identify its development priorities. The school recognises the need to develop the expertise of all staff in identifying the precise actions that need to be taken and monitored to ensure that the key priorities are effective in raising standards. Governors promote links with the community well and are beginning to be more involved in evaluating the school's effectiveness as they gain a greater understanding of its performance. Improvement since the last inspection has

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Grade: 3

been satisfactory. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Whoberley Hall Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007 .

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Grade: 3

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 8 of 11 Inspection Report: Whoberley Hall Primary School, 3 °4 October 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? 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? 2 The effectiveness of the Foundation Stage 3 The capacity to make any necessary improvements

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Achievement and standards

3 How well do learners achieve? 3 The standards 1 reached by learners How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners 3 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 2 The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which learners adopt safe practices 2 How well learners enjoy their education 3 The attendance of learners 2 The behaviour of learners 2 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. 9 of 11 Inspection Report: Whoberley Hall Primary School, 3 °4 October 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 3 How effectively leaders and managers use challenging targets to raise standards 3 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? 10 of 11 Inspection Report: Whoberley Hall Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

5 October 2007 Dear Pupils Inspection of Whoberley Hall Primary School, Coventry, CV5 8AJ Thank you for making the inspectors welcome when we came to visit your school. We really enjoyed meeting and talking with you all. Your school provides you with a satisfactory education. This means that there are many good things and a few things which can be improved. These are the good things we found:

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You get a good start to school in the Foundation Unit because the teachers there really know how young children learn through lots of play. ■ You do better in your tests than you used to do. Now you do as well as most other children of your age. ■ You are growing up to be sensible, caring and well-behaved young people and this will help you a lot when you are older. ■ You really enjoy learning lots of interesting things. You told us how much fun you are having learning about rainforests and finding out about them on the Internet. ■ Teachers want you to do well and care for you a lot. This really helps you if you have a problem, not just with your work but if you are feeling unhappy too. All the adults are working hard to make sure your school gets even better. To help them we have asked them to do these things:

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Make sure that you learn well in every lesson, especially those of you who find work easy, so that you do as well as you possibly can. ■ Check that while you are learning lots of interesting things you are also getting plenty of practice to develop your literacy and numeracy skills. ■ Work out exactly how to make things improve even more and then keep checking that what is happening is making the school as good as it can be. Keep working hard because this will really help you in the future! Yours faithfully Mrs Helen Barter Lead inspector 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Whoberley Hall Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007

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Annex B

Inspection of Whoberley Hall Primary School, Coventry, CV5 8AJ

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Annex B

Thank you for making the inspectors welcome when we came to visit your school. We really enjoyed meeting and talking with you all. Your school provides you with a satisfactory education. This means that there are many good things and a few things which can be improved.

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Annex B

• You get a good start to school in the Foundation Unit because the teachers there really know how young children learn through lots of play. • You do better in your tests than you used to do. Now you do as well as most other children of your age. • You are growing up to be sensible, caring and well-behaved young people and this will help you a lot when you are older. • You really enjoy learning lots of interesting things. You told us how much fun you are having learning about rainforests and finding out about them on the Internet. • Teachers want you to do well and care for you a lot. This really helps you if you have a problem, not just with your work but if you are feeling unhappy too.

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Annex B

All the adults are working hard to make sure your school gets even better. To help them we have asked them to do these things:

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Annex B

• Make sure that you learn well in every lesson, especially those of you who find work easy, so that you do as well as you possibly can. • Check that while you are learning lots of interesting things you are also getting plenty of practice to develop your literacy and numeracy skills. • Work out exactly how to make things improve even more and then keep checking that what is happening is making the school as good as it can be.

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Annex B

Keep working hard because this will really help you in the future!

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