Willow Tree Primary School

Willow Tree Primary School Inspection report

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104772 Unique Reference Number St Helens Local Authority 308664 Inspection number 5–6 November 2008 Inspection dates Sheila O'Keeffe Reporting inspector

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This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. The registered childcare, managed by the governing body, was inspected under section 49 of the Childcare Act 2006.

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Primary Type of school Community School category 3–11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 295 School (total) 0 Government funded early education provision for children aged 3 to the end of the EYFS 0 Childcare provision for children aged 0 to 3 years The governing body Appropriate authority Mrs Jackie Lowe Chair Mrs Margaret Huyton Headteacher 16 November 1998 Date of previous school inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous funded early education inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous childcare inspection Leach Lane School address Sutton Leach St Helens Merseyside WA9 4LZ 01744 819003 Telephone number 01744 819003 Fax number

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3–11 Age group 5–6 November 2008 Inspection dates 308664 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. 2 of 11 Inspection Report: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by three Additional Inspectors.

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Description of the school

The school is larger than average in size and is situated in an area of social disadvantage. The proportion of pupils entitled to free school meals is well above the national average. There is a much higher percentage than normal of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. All pupils are of White British heritage. The number of pupils joining and leaving the school at other than the usual transfer times is above average. The school has a newly opened Community Centre. It has gained the Early Years Kitemark, an Activemark and National Healthy Schools accreditation.

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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: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008

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Grade: 3

Willow Tree is a satisfactory and improving school with some good features. Within the overall good care, guidance and support pupils receive, they are cared for extremely well. The most vulnerable pupils are supported outstandingly and this, together with excellent partnerships with outside agencies, enables these pupils to overcome significant barriers to their learning. The school provides a calm, friendly and caring atmosphere which promotes pupils' good personal development. Standards are below average in both Key Stages 1 and 2 but have steadily improved over the last three years. Almost all parents appreciate what the school provides, including access to family learning programmes and parenting skills courses in the school's new Community Centre. Pupils achieve satisfactorily overall. Some groups of pupils make good progress, for example, those in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In addition, pupils with learning difficulties

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Grade: 3

and/or disabilities also make satisfactory progress because their achievable learning targets have been matched well to their individual needs. Most children join the Nursery with skills below, and some well below, the level expected for their age. By the end of Year 6, standards are slightly below the national average indicating satisfactory progress overall. New techniques are being introduced to improve the quality of pupils' writing, but it is too soon to see any impact in terms of improved standards. Pupils' personal development is good. They behave well and enjoy school. Pupils have good cultural awareness and an effective appreciation of how to eat healthily and to keep fit and safe. They raise money for good causes, are developing eco- awareness, understand dangers and treat each other with respect. Pupils see school as a safe place where they can be nurtured, develop their self-esteem, grow in confidence and prepare for their future lives. Attendance

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Grade: 3

is satisfactory and improving. The school has strategies in place to improve the attendance of all pupils and, in particular, a small group of persistent poor attenders. The quality of teaching and learning is satisfactory overall. There is some good and outstanding teaching. In the best lessons, pupils are actively involved and work is planned to match their different needs. However, some teaching does not offer sufficient challenge. This is particularly the case for more able pupils. The marking of pupils' work is good and informs pupils of what they need to do to improve. There is a straightforward system to assess and track pupils' progress. It is not always used consistently by all staff to check closely on the ongoing progress made by the pupils in their class. The curriculum is satisfactory and meets the needs of most learners. The school is good at providing experiences that improve pupils' chances of leading a safe, healthy and outward

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Grade: 3

looking life. However, pupils are given too few opportunities to practise their basic skills, such as writing, number, and information and communication technology (ICT) in a range of subjects. The quality of leadership and management is satisfactory and improving. Governance is good. School self-evaluation is accurate. Under the direction of school leaders key issues have been correctly identified and prioritised, in order to improve standards. Senior leaders have a clear picture of what needs to be done. Through overcoming difficulties with staffing issues and gradually improving standards and pupils' achievements over the last three years, the school is demonstrating good capacity to improve. 4 of 11 Inspection Report: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008

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Grade: 2

Children enter the Nursery with overall skills below those expected. Some of those skills are well below those expected for their age, particularly in speaking and listening and personal development. The school works effectively to strengthen these weaker skills. As a result, children make good gains in their learning and reach broadly average levels typical for their age at the end of their Reception year. Provision for the youngest children is good because it is effectively led and managed. Teamwork amongst staff is a strong feature, enabling good planning and assessment to take place. The staff plan well for the children's individual needs and the next steps they need in order for them to make good progress. The learning environment is safe, bright and stimulating and children respond well to structure and routine. There are high expectations of behaviour and children are encouraged to work cooperatively to develop their

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Grade: 2

independence. There is a good balance of teacher-led and child-initiated activities and teaching and learning is good. There are too few opportunities to encourage exploration in order to allow children to discover things for themselves and to solve problems. Careful observations and records are made to assess children's learning with a strong emphasis on their social, emotional and physical needs. Children have access to a nurture programme to give them extra specialist support to help them to be more ready to learn.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Raise standards, especially in writing.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Improve the quality of teaching and learning so that all pupils, especially those who are more able, are challenged. A small proportion of 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' standards at the end of Year 6 are below average, but improving, and achievement is satisfactory. The proportions of Year 6 pupils attaining the expected Level 4 in science and mathematics are slightly below the national average and lower in English, especially in writing. At the higher Level 5, science is above the national average and below in mathematics and English. This shows that, in spite of an improvement in standards over time, pupils are not achieving well enough in English, especially writing. Pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make satisfactory progress because of the effective support they receive.

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Grade: 2

This is a strength of the school. The school does much to help large numbers of children with additional needs, for example, the nurture group and the behaviour improvement programme. The school has worked successfully to establish clear boundaries of what is acceptable and gives rewards for good behaviour. As a result, pupils behave well in and around the school. They enjoy school and their attendance is improving. The number of pupils with severe 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008 attendance problems is falling because the school works effectively with families, for example, inviting parents to accompany their children to a free breakfast club. Spiritual, social, moral and cultural development is good. Pupils understand right and wrong and show good awareness of other cultures, for example, in their European countries project. Pupils have a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. They know what foods are beneficial

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Grade: 2

to their health and which to treat with caution. They know the dangers of substance abuse because of the effective personal, social and health education programme. Pupils feel safe in school and treat others with respect. They show commitment to their community in the way they enjoy responsibility, for example, older pupils care for infants at lunchtime, raise money for charities and some participate in an active school council. The school council has helped to bring about improvements in playground facilities and to obtain more secure fencing around the school. Preparation for pupils' economic well-being is satisfactory because while pupils have strong personal development, their literacy, numeracy and ICT skills need improvement.

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Grade: 3

The quality of teaching and learning is inconsistent. Pupils' satisfactory achievements have been produced by overall sound teaching that includes some good and outstanding practice. Where learning is less effective, teachers do not always challenge the pupils sufficiently well. In the best lessons pupils are actively involved in their own learning and self-assessment and work is well matched to their needs. Some lessons do not provide sufficient challenge for different ability groups, particularly the more able pupils. Pupils enjoy their lessons and most know their targets and explain how to improve their work. Pupils have good relationships with each other and their teachers. Teachers' marking is clear, consistent and encourages pupils to improve their work. Pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well supported in class and through the intervention groups and nurture programmes, to enable them to progress

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Grade: 3

The curriculum meets statutory requirements. Whilst meeting the needs of most learners, it does not always fully address those of more able pupils. Because the curriculum is taught as separate subjects, the links pupils make between subjects are restricted which slows their progress. The school's plans to develop the curriculum on a themed approach are well advanced. The introduction of a wider range of enrichment activities such as visits and visitors add to pupils' enjoyment and personal development by encouraging their inquisitiveness of the world around them. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities, especially in sports, which add to pupils' healthy lifestyles.

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Grade: 2

Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure the health, safety and protection of all pupils. Although pupils are provided with excellent pastoral care and support, their academic guidance is no better than satisfactory. Because pupils are cared for so well, they feel fully supported and very secure. This helps them to develop self-confidence and to form healthy relationships. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008 More vulnerable pupils, in particular, are enabled to substantially overcome any difficulties they have in learning or to follow codes of behaviour. The excellent partnerships with outside agencies contribute to the success in this area. Assessment information is not always used effectively enough to ensure that work is matched to meet all pupils' needs.

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Grade: 3

Leadership and management are satisfactory and improving. The headteacher, supported by the deputy headteacher provide good leadership, which is focused on improving and raising standards. Procedures to evaluate strengths and weaknesses are comprehensive and provide an accurate assessment of the effectiveness of the school. Reorganisation of middle leaders' work is in progress to define roles more closely and make it more effective. Leaders' and managers' commitment to inclusion is good. Target-setting is realistic and adequately demanding. This results in most pupils achieving satisfactorily. Community cohesion is satisfactory; it is in the early stages of development. Governance is good. Governors have a good knowledge of the school and are very supportive. They are not afraid to ask pertinent questions and have a good knowledge of the school's key issues for development. The school provides satisfactory value for money.

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Grade: 3

7 of 11 Inspection Report: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008 .

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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: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008

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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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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 capacity to make any necessary improvements

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EYFS?

2 How well do children in the EYFS achieve? How good are the overall personal development and well-being of the children in the EYFS? 2 How effectively are children in the EYFS helped to learn and develop? 2 How effectively is the welfare of children in the EYFS promoted? 2 How effectively is provision in the EYFS led and managed?

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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/or disabilities make progress

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Achievement and standards

1 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: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008

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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 The extent to which 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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learners' needs?

How well do the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of learners? 2 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?

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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 2 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation 2 How well equality of opportunity is promoted and discrimination eliminated 3 How well does the school contribute to community cohesion? 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: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Inspection of Willow Tree Primary School, St Helens, WA9 4LZ On behalf of the inspectors I would like to thank you very much for your help when we visited your school. We enjoyed our visit very much and I would like to share with you what we thought of your school. Your school is giving you a satisfactory education. This means that there are some things that the school does well, but there are other things the staff need to do to make the school better. These are the good things. n All the staff take really good care of you and help you to be fit, safe and healthy. n You behave well and you are growing into sensible young people who want to learn. n Teachers are good at marking your work to help you to do better. They give you lots of opportunities for sport, visits and after-school clubs and they invite interesting visitors into school.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Pupils who find work difficult are helped very well by teachers, classroom assistants and the learning mentor. ■ The school grounds and buildings have been improved so you can play really well and enjoy things such as the breakfast club in the new Community Centre. There are two things that I have asked the headteacher and staff to improve.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ To make sure that as many of you as possible do better in English, mathematics and science and especially to improve your writing skills. ■ To make your lessons even better and more interesting by setting you harder work, especially those of you who find learning a bit easier than most, so that you can all make good progress. You can all help by working really hard in all your lessons. 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Willow Tree Primary School, 5–6 November 2008

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