Blackhorse Primary School

Blackhorse Primary School Inspection report

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109121 Unique Reference Number South Gloucestershire Local Authority 309886 Inspection number 3 °4 December 2007 Inspection dates Derek Watts 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 4 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 288 School The governing body Appropriate authority Jo Bezant Chair Deborah Frazer Headteacher 30 June 2003 Date of previous school inspection Blackhorse Lane School address Emersons Green Bristol BS16 6TR 01454 866570 Telephone number 01454 866571 Fax number

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4-11 Age group 3 °4 December 2007 Inspection dates 309886 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 three Additional Inspectors.

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Description of the school

Blackhorse is a larger than average primary school. About 93% of the pupils come from a White British background. There is a below average proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language and very few of these are at an early stage of learning English. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is above average. The school moved into new accommodation in 2004. Blackhorse also provides a 20-pupil Resource Base for those with social and communication difficulties. Pupils in the Base come from the school's catchment area and beyond. The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational need is well above average. The number of pupils who join the school, other than at the normal starting point, is higher than average.

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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: Blackhorse Primary School, 3 °4 December 2007

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Grade: 3

The overall effectiveness of Blackhorse Primary School is satisfactory. There are a number of good features to its work. Pupils' personal development and well-being are good because of the effective care, guidance and support provided. Their academic achievement is satisfactory. The headteacher and senior leaders have successfully seen the school through changes to accommodation. With her staff, the headteacher has created a very welcoming and positive school climate which is much appreciated by pupils and their parents. Parents hold the school in high regard and give it good support. Pupil numbers are increasing. Leadership roles and responsibilities have been recently shared more widely. New leaders are developing well and are becoming increasingly more effective in monitoring and improving their areas of responsibility. Recent improvements to the Foundation Stage mean that children are now getting off to a good start in Reception. There have also been good improvements to the

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Grade: 3

curriculum. The school is now in a solid position to raise pupils' achievement further and this is where school leaders are focusing their attention. They are aware that there is more to do before teaching and pupil achievement are consistently good. Leadership and management are satisfactory. Pupils' personal development is a clear strength of the school. Pupils enjoy school and this is reflected in their good attendance and their keen participation in activities. Pupils are friendly and polite and relate very well to others. At Blackhorse, pupils are particularly good at supporting and helping their fellow pupils. Behaviour is consistently good in lessons and around the school. Pupils adopt healthy lifestyles and have a clear understanding of the importance of healthy eating, keeping safe and taking regular exercise. They readily take on responsibilities and make good contributions to the local and wider community. Pupils enjoy

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Grade: 3

the good range of additional activities that enrich the curriculum. The school works well with a range of external agencies to provide well-targeted support for any pupils who need extra help. Satisfactory teaching and learning and a sound curriculum enable pupils to make satisfactory progress overall. Provision in the Resource Base is good and pupils make good progress. Across the school, teachers have good relationships with their pupils. Instructions, questioning and explanations promote learning well. Pupils make good progress when they are challenged, and tasks are well matched to their abilities. However, this good practice is not consistent across the school. A few lessons are too teacher-directed and the pace of learning can decline. For example, when teachers talk too much, pupils are not sufficiently involved in their own learning. Standards by the end of Year 2 are normally below average in reading,

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Grade: 3

writing and mathematics. The school is taking positive steps to raise achievement in Years 1 and 2 but these changes are too recent to have had a full impact on raising standards. Standards by the end of Year 6 are usually average. National tests results in 2007 dipped to exceptionally low levels, particularly in English. This year group had an unusually high proportion of pupils with learning difficulties.

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Grade: 2

Children enter the Reception with attainment below that expected at this stage. Provision has improved recently and is now good. Good teaching and an interesting curriculum give children in Reception a good start. Children are enthusiastic about their learning and make good gains in all areas of learning. Outdoor learning equipment and facilities are limited but there are plans to improve these. 4 of 11 Inspection Report: Blackhorse Primary School, 3 °4 December 2007

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Improve the rate of pupils' progress from Year 1 to Year 6 so that pupils attain higher standards. ■ Improve the consistency of teaching by ensuring that all lessons are suitably challenging, maintain a brisk pace and involve pupils fully in their learning. 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

Achievement is satisfactory overall. Children make good progress in the Foundation Stage and most attain the expected levels in all areas of learning by the end of Reception. Standards by the end of Year 2 are usually below average in reading, writing and mathematics. The school is increasing the range of strategies to develop literacy and numeracy skills in Years 1 and 2 but these initiatives are recent. There are early signs that this action is having a positive impact on pupils' progress but it is too soon to see the longer-term effect on standards. Pupils at an early stage of learning English receive good support and suitable learning activities. They make good gains in acquiring English. National tests for Year 6 in 2007 indicated that standards were exceptionally low, particularly in English. Whilst pupils had made good progress in science, they had not made sufficient progress in English. Assessment and monitoring in the current Year 6

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Grade: 3

indicate that pupils are making better progress and that standards in the current Year 6 are broadly average. Pupils in the Resource Base make good progress because of effective teaching and support. One parent remarked, 'My child has made great progress in the Resource Base and has settled well'.

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Grade: 2

Pupils are enthusiastic about school and show positive attitudes to learning. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good, with the moral and social aspects being particularly strong. Clear and consistent expectations by staff and positive relationships lead to consistently good conduct. Pupils form very good relationships with adults and amongst themselves. They work well collaboratively in a range of activities. Pupils adopt healthy lifestyles and possess a good understanding of the importance of healthy diets and taking regular exercise. They thrive on additional responsibilities. Those on the school council take their responsibilities seriously and have contributed to the formulation of school rules and expectations. The raising of funds for a variety of charities such as Children in Need contributes to the wider community. Pupils are reasonably well prepared for their future. They have welldeveloped personal and social

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Grade: 2

skills and a sound base of literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology (ICT) skills. 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Blackhorse Primary School, 3 °4 December 2007

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Grade: 3

Teaching and learning are satisfactory, with examples of good practice. Teaching is consistently good in Reception and in the Resource Base. Across the school, teachers have established positive relationships with pupils. Teachers' instructions and explanations are clear and informative. Pupils are attentive and respond well to their teachers' instructions and effective questioning. Pupils have good opportunities to discuss their work in pairs and this develops their speaking and listening skills well. When teachers use assessment information effectively, tasks are well matched to pupils' needs. As a result, pupils are suitably challenged and they make good gains in their learning. In a few lessons, the level of challenge is not appropriate to all pupils' needs. Not all lessons proceed at a brisk pace and the rate of learning slows. Overlong introductions by teachers can mean that pupils are not sufficiently involved in their learning.

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Grade: 3

Teaching assistants are effectively deployed and contribute well to learning, particularly for pupils with learning difficulties or at an early stage of learning English.

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Grade: 3

The curriculum promotes pupils' personal development well and enables them to make satisfactory progress. The planning of the curriculum has improved since the previous inspection. Good emphasis has been placed on the development of language, literacy skills and numeracy skills. However, opportunities for pupils to apply and develop literacy and numeracy skills in a range of subjects are not fully exploited. There is good provision for pupils in the Resource Base but outdoor learning opportunities are limited. Across the school, healthy lifestyles and personal safety are promoted well. A good range of additional activities contributes to pupils' enjoyment and interests. Popular clubs include art, choir, chess, French, football, ICT, tennis, recorders and Spanish. Visits and visitors enhance pupils' learning. A successful residential visit to an outdoor centre in Wales for Year 6 provides new activities such as climbing and kayaking

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Grade: 3

as well as building pupils' personal and team-building skills.

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Grade: 2

Strong pastoral care and support contribute well to pupils' personal development. Procedures to ensure pupils' protection and safety are effective so pupils are safe and secure at school. Staff know the pupils well and have established very good relationships with them and their parents. Parents say, 'Teachers and the staff are very approachable'. Effective induction arrangements enable children in Reception and other new arrivals to settle quickly. Good support is provided for pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Systems for assessing and tracking pupils' attainment and progress are effective. Assessment information is usually used well to plan teaching. Assessment is now being used effectively to set individual learning targets in English and mathematics. Consequently, pupils know what they are working towards to improve. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Blackhorse Primary School, 3 °4 December 2007

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Grade: 3

Leadership and management have been effective in providing effective care, guidance and support and in promoting pupils' good personal development. Senior staff have successfully managed the change to the new site. The Resource Base is very well led and managed and this leads to effective provision and good progress for pupils. The school has forged a strong partnership with parents. Parents give good support and are very pleased with the care and education provided for their children. The headteacher, the school's positive atmosphere, and the approachability of the staff all come in for praise. Typical parental comments from the survey included: 'The atmosphere of the school is warm and friendly' and 'The headteacher and staff maintain a high level of visibility which ensure they are always approachable'. Self-evaluation is satisfactory. Senior staff have identified the right priorities for improvement.

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Grade: 3

New leaders are developing their role in terms of monitoring and evaluating provison and standards. The need to raise achievement particularly in Years 1 and 2 has been identified and positive action is being taken but it is too soon to see the full impact on standards. Challenging targets are set as part of the school's drive to raise achievement and standards. Leaders are aware that there is more to do to ensure that teaching is consistently good. Governors are committed and supportive. New governors are developing their role and acquiring a clear understanding of the school's performance. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Blackhorse Primary School, 3 °4 December 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: Blackhorse Primary School, 3 °4 December 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 2 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: Blackhorse Primary School, 3 °4 December 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: Blackhorse Primary School, 3 °4 December 2007

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ 6 December 2007 Dear Pupils Inspection of Blackhorse Primary School, Bristol, BS16 6TR Thank you so much for welcoming us into your school and showing us your work. We enjoyed our visit and would like to tell you what we found out. Blackhorse is a satisfactory school with good features. These are strengths of the school: ■ you clearly enjoy school and take part in activities with great enthusiasm

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ the school is a friendly and pleasant place to be

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ children in Reception get off to a good start

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ pupils in the Resource Base make good progress

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ an interesting range of additional activities is provided for you

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ you are friendly and polite and get on very well with other pupils and adults

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ your behaviour is good in lessons and around the school

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ you show a clear understanding of how to be fit and healthy

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ staff know you very well; they take good care of you and give you good support

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ your parents are very pleased with the care and education provided. The following things would help your school to improve further, and we have asked your headteacher and senior staff to ensure that the improvements continue: ■ some of you could make even more progress in English and mathematics

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ some of the teaching could challenge and involve you in your learning more; this would help you to make more progress. Finally, thank you once again for all your help. We wish you all the best for the future. With kind regards Derek Watts Lead Inspector 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Blackhorse Primary School, 3 °4 December 2007

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Annex B

Inspection of Blackhorse Primary School, Bristol, BS16 6TR

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Annex B

Thank you so much for welcoming us into your school and showing us your work. We enjoyed our visit and would like to tell you what we found out. Blackhorse is a satisfactory school with good features.

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Annex B

• you clearly enjoy school and take part in activities with great enthusiasm • the school is a friendly and pleasant place to be • children in Reception get off to a good start • pupils in the Resource Base make good progress • an interesting range of additional activities is provided for you • you are friendly and polite and get on very well with other pupils and adults • your behaviour is good in lessons and around the school • you show a clear understanding of how to be fit and healthy • staff know you very well; they take good care of you and give you good support • your parents are very pleased with the care and education provided.

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Annex B

The following things would help your school to improve further, and we have asked your headteacher and senior staff to ensure that the improvements continue:

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Annex B

• some of you could make even more progress in English and mathematics • some of the teaching could challenge and involve you in your learning more; this would help you to make more progress.

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Annex B

Finally, thank you once again for all your help. We wish you all the best for the future.

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