Carsington and Hopton Primary School

Carsington and Hopton C of E Primary School Inspection report

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112878 Unique Reference Number DERBYSHIRE LA Local Authority 311036 Inspection number 3 °4 October 2007 Inspection dates Rajinder Harrison 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 Voluntary aided School category 4 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 45 School The governing body Appropriate authority Mr W Brogden Chair Mr P Bateman Headteacher 17 May 2004 Date of previous school inspection Carsington School address Matlock Derbyshire DE4 4DE 01629 540206 Telephone number 01629 540206 Fax number

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4-11 Age group 3 °4 October 2007 Inspection dates 311036 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 an Additional Inspector.

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Description of the school

This small primary school in the village of Carsington takes pupils from a wide rural area. Almost all pupils are of White British background. No pupils are entitled to free school meals. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is below average. Most children start school with knowledge and skills that are at the expected levels. The current headteacher was appointed in January 2007. The school has an increasing number of pupils who join the school after Year 2.

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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: Carsington and Hopton C of E Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007

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Grade: 2

This is a good school where aspects of pupils' personal development are outstanding. Parents speak very highly of the school. Their children grow and thrive in a very caring, welcoming atmosphere and feel valued. They form excellent relationships, help each other and take on many responsibilities. 'We are like one big family' is a typical comment from many pupils. They love learning and participate enthusiastically in everything the school does. Pupils achieve well. Standards are above average at the end of Year 6. They are prepared well for the future. Teaching and learning are good and support pupils' good progress. Children start school with knowledge and skills that are at the levels expected for their age. For a few, their literacy and social skills are less secure. Teachers assess pupils' individual needs very carefully to provide the help they need to achieve well. At the end of the Reception Year, all children achieve the

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Grade: 2

expected levels and many exceed them. In Years 1 and 2, pupils progress well and reach standards that are above average. Progress is also good in Years 3 to 6. Overall standards in Year 6 are above average and exceptionally high in English. The school's focus on improving pupils' writing has made a significant impact on raising standards. Achievement in mathematics is not as good, because pupils are not confident in thinking about what they already know and how to use this knowledge in new situations. Good support for pupils who have learning difficulties helps them achieve well but the space for small group work is poor and this detracts from better learning. The curriculum is good but lack of space is a hindrance, particularly in the range of physical education activities pupils undertake. Very good out of class activities help pupils to understand the importance of keeping fit and healthy and learn about their own culture. Fewer

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Grade: 2

opportunities are organised to help them to appreciate the diverse cultures represented in modern Britain. Care, guidance and support are good. Pupils understand the targets they have to improve their work and enjoy being challenged in lessons. Good leadership and management have driven the school's improvement since the last inspection. The headteacher supports staff well and good teamwork helps the school achieve success. The capacity to make further improvements is good. By analysing pupils' progress closely, the school is now setting challenging targets. The teaching of mathematics has been reviewed and the introduction of more practical approaches is helping pupils make better progress. Financial management is good with effective allocation of resources to address priorities such as staff training so that the school achieves good value for money. Governors support the school well, checking its performance to ensure that the quality of care and education is good. They are

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Grade: 2

taking effective steps to improve the school's accommodation. The school is accurate in its self-assessment. It is a happy place where everyone's contribution matters.

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Grade: 2

Provision in the Foundation Stage is good, as are its leadership and management. From an average starting point, children progress well and achieve the expected levels in all the areas of learning and many exceed these. Staff work effectively as a team to plan a good balance of adult guided activities and those that children choose by themselves. This helps children develop their confidence and independence well. They benefit enormously by working alongside Year 1 and 2 pupils and learning from them, and hence their personal development is very good. The accommodation 4 of 11 Inspection Report: Carsington and Hopton C of E Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007 is restricted and although available space is used to maximum effect, children sometimes find it hard to listen and concentrate when so many have to work in close proximity. The stimulating and well resourced outdoor area is used well to support children's independent play and social

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What the school should do to improve further

■ To help raise standards in mathematics, enable pupils to develop their thinking skills so that they apply what they already know to new learning confidently. ■ Provide pupils with a curriculum that offers a wider range of physical education activities and more opportunities to learn about the cultures represented in modern Britain. ■ Improve the school's accommodation so pupils can learn more effectively.

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Grade: 2

Pupils achieve well and attain above average standards by the time they leave in Year 6. Because of the very small numbers in each year group, standards inevitably fluctuate from year to year depending on pupils' ability. Good provision and teaching result in pupils attaining standards that are above average in all core subjects by Year 2. This good progress is maintained in later Years 3 to 6. Those who join the school after Year 2 and who are lower attaining sometimes make slower progress because, despite the school's very good arrangements to support them, they sometimes struggle to catch up. In Year 6, the very high standards pupils achieve in English support their good progress in other subjects. Pupils who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities also achieve well because they receive good support. The school is providing good opportunities such as projects pupils can pursue independently to help the more able achieve even more.

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Grade: 1

Pupils' good attendance and excellent attitudes to learning show they enjoy school. 'I love school because we have so much fun here' is a typical comment. Pupils express their feelings in class discussions and to staff very confidently. They know how to stay safe and who to go to if they feel threatened. Through excellent swimming provision and other sports on offer, pupils exercise regularly. Lunchtimes are extremely positive, social occasions and pupils choose healthy options that include excellent school meals. Pupils are exceptionally kind and respectful towards others and their behaviour is exemplary. Older pupils automatically assume responsibilities such as looking after younger ones. The school council influences school improvement by, for example, deciding what the class rules should be and how the premises could be improved, even to the extent of lobbying the community. Visitors, visits and inspirational and thought provoking assemblies help pupils gain

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Grade: 1

an excellent understanding of their own culture and of different faiths. Through learning French and Italian, they are informed about European cultures and learning Makaton is helping them appreciate the needs of those with hearing impairment. By raising money for charity and supporting numerous village events, pupils support the wider community extremely well. They demonstrate excellent workplace skills by working cooperatively and by achieving well in their basic skills. 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Carsington and Hopton C of E Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007

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Grade: 2

Lessons are lively and well planned. Through skilful questioning, teachers make sure pupils of all abilities and ages participate fully. They provide excellent opportunities for pupils to discuss and share ideas. Pupils respond enthusiastically and work well independently. Teachers plan work that is matched well to pupils' needs, but in occasional lessons, the more able are not challenged enough. Pupils particularly enjoy projects, such as the 'Big Writing', that capture their interest and encourage them to expand their ideas. Teachers encourage pupils to think about what they already know when faced with new learning so that they approach new problems confidently, but such skills are less well developed in mathematics. Support staff are used effectively to help individual pupils but occasionally the area for small group work is too noisy and congested and this distracts pupils' concentration. Teachers assess pupils' progress regularly

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Grade: 2

to identify those who need additional help. Setting individual targets is proving very effective in encouraging pupils to reach their targets and thus achieve well.

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Grade: 2

The curriculum is structured well for pupils to build successfully on previous work. Good links between subjects help pupils to make better sense of their learning. For example in science, pupils consider why the poor diet of ancient sailors resulted in so many dying at sea. With mathematics being a school priority, more time is allocated for pupils to think about how they might solve problems. Pupils are encouraged to use computers to develop their independent research skills. While the provision for swimming is excellent, inadequate space restricts provision for physical education, for example, dance and gymnastics. Teachers use effective additional programmes to help pupils who have learning difficulties achieve well. A good programme for personal, social and health education supports pupils' personal development. Many visitors and visits bring learning alive and provide pupils with a good insight into the world of work

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Grade: 2

and leisure. However, the school offers too few opportunities to help pupils to learn about Britain's diverse cultures. Enrichment activities are very good, for example for pupils to learn to play the piano or violin.

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Grade: 2

Pupils are cared for well. They know staff will listen and help them if they are worried or upset. Where appropriate, the school consults with external agencies to help guide its work. Child protection, health and safety and the required safeguarding arrangements are all secure. Support for pupils when they first start school is very good and excellent links with the secondary school help pupils to make the transfer confidently. Pupils' progress is assessed thoroughly to set accurate targets and identify quickly those who need specific help. Pupils are not as involved as they might be in deciding these targets and in assessing their own progress. While some marking gives pupils very good guidance as to how they can improve their work, the practice is not consistent. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Carsington and Hopton C of E Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007

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Grade: 2

The headteacher has a very clear vision for the school and has accurately identified the key priorities required to raise standards. He is supported well by staff and governors to secure the necessary improvements. Teachers now have high quality assessment information to support their planning and good access to the training they need to improve their teaching. Subject leaders have taken the right action, for example to improve provision in mathematics and this has already started to have a positive impact on pupils' progress. The headteacher has examined the school's procedures and policies closely and is urgently reviewing those that will bring about effective school improvement quickly. For example, all staff are now involved in monitoring teaching to check that everyone follows the school's guidance on planning and marking. Governors visit the school regularly and are very well informed. They are beginning to monitor

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Grade: 2

the school's performance more rigorously. They see the school as an integral part of the local community and work hard to secure its very good standing in the area. They recognise that the accommodation needs urgent improvement and are doing all they can to make this happen. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Carsington and Hopton C of E Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007 .

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Grade: 2

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 8 of 11 Inspection Report: Carsington and Hopton C of E 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 2 The capacity to make any necessary improvements

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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 2 How well learners with learning difficulties and disabilities make progress

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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

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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: Carsington and Hopton C of E 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 2 How effectively leaders and managers use challenging targets to raise standards 2 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: Carsington and Hopton C of E 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 Carsington and Hopton C of E Primary School, Carsington, Derbyshire. DE4 4DE I am writing to tell you what I found out when I came to your school recently to look at the work you do and to talk to your teachers. It was lovely meeting you. Thank you for making me feel part of your school family and for being so friendly and polite. I enjoyed my lunch with you and finding out about all the exciting things you do, such as visiting Hopton Hall and looking after your little garden. I particularly liked the way you look after each other and the beautiful singing I heard as I worked. Yours is a good school. I particularly liked these things.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You work hard and make good progress. Your work in English is excellent.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You are taught well and you clearly enjoy learning.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your teachers plan interesting work for you with many visitors and trips that help you learn more. You have very good clubs and activities you can join. ■ Your behaviour is excellent. You know about staying safe and healthy and who to go to if you are worried or unhappy. ■ You make excellent friends with everyone and are a real credit to the school.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The headteacher and all the staff work hard to make sure everyone does their best to help you learn and enjoy life as sensible young people. These are things I have asked the school to do to become even better.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Help you do even better in mathematics by showing you how to think about your work and use what you already know to solve new problems. ■ Provide more PE activities such as dance and gymnastics for you and organise more opportunities for you to learn about the different cultures of people who live in this country. ■ Improve the school's buildings so that you have more space to work in.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

There are things you could do to help too. For example, you could try to think more when you are doing your mathematics so you do even better work. It is brilliant that you love your school and I hope that you continue to do well. Yours sincerely Rajinder Harrison Lead inspector 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Carsington and Hopton C of E Primary School, 3 °4 October 2007

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