Doddiscombsleigh Primary School

Doddiscombsleigh Community School Inspection report

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113198 Unique Reference Number Devon Local Authority 311147 Inspection number 8 October 2008 Inspection date Robert Pyner HMI 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 4–11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 54 School (total) 4 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 Nick Dudman Chair Sarah Evans Headteacher 13 September 2004 Date of previous school inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous funded early education inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous childcare inspection Doddiscombsleigh School address Exeter EX6 7PR 01647 252253 Telephone number

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4–11 Age group 8 October 2008 Inspection date 311147 Inspection number 01647 252253 Fax number

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4–11 Age group 8 October 2008 Inspection date 311147 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. 3 of 11 Inspection Report: Doddiscombsleigh Community School, 8 October 2008

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by one of Her Majesty's Inspectors and an Additional Inspector, who evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school and investigated the following issues: the effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) achievement by pupils of all abilities and particularly in mathematics the effectiveness of teaching for all age groups the quality of pupils' personal development, especially regarding their appreciation of other cultures both within Britain and beyond. Evidence was collected from performance data, external monitoring, school documents, observations of teaching and the work produced by pupils. Parents' questionnaires and discussions with pupils, the vice-chair of governors and staff also contributed to the judgements. Other aspects of the school's work were not investigated in detail, but inspectors found no evidence to suggest that the school's own assessments, as given in its self-evaluation, were

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Introduction

not justified, and these have been included where appropriate in this report.

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Description of the school

Doddiscombsleigh is a small rural school that serves the hamlet and surrounding area close to the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Many pupils live outside the immediate local area and consequently most of them travel to the school by car or bus. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is below average and there are no pupils from minority ethnic groups. The attainment of pupils on entry to the school is mixed but broadly as expected for their age. The school serves an area of relative affluence. There are significantly more girls than boys on roll and some 10% of the pupils have joined the school other than at the usual time of admission. Children in the EYFS share a class with pupils in Key Stage 1. The school has close links with a pre-school on site managed by a private provider. The school has achieved the Healthy School award.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 4 of 11 Inspection Report: Doddiscombsleigh Community School, 8 October 2008

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Grade: 2

Doddiscombsleigh is a good school. Pupils achieve well by the time that they leave the school and attain above average standards overall. Levels of care are good and are underpinned by the school's supportive ethos. The main reasons for this positive picture are the consistently effective teaching and clear leadership of the school. Not surprisingly, the school is held in high regard by parents. As one parent wrote, 'The staff really understand the children and are in tune with their individual needs. There is a wonderful sense of community between the pupils, staff and parents. Teachers are happy and smiling at the end of the day, and are always happy to stop and talk – a good sign that the school is well run and organised.' Reception children settle well in the mixed-age class they share with Year 1 and 2 pupils because of the effective transition from the pre-school. Imaginative use of the facilities available enables

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Grade: 2

children to follow an appropriate curriculum within the mixed-age class and they have made satisfactory progress by the time they enter Year 1. Pupils continue to make clear progress and performance data show that by the end of Year 2, attainment is above average and improving. Building on this, progress increases from Year 3 to Year 6 and by the time pupils leave the school, attainment in English and science is above average, with more able pupils achieving particularly well. In the unvalidated results for 2008, well over half of the pupils gained a higher National Curriculum level than that expected for their age in English, and although results for science were not as strong at this level, there is a good track record of performance at the higher level in this subject. In mathematics, achievement throughout the school is not as strong and by Year 6, although pupils' attainment is broadly average, fewer attain the higher level.

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Grade: 2

The school's self-evaluation confirms this position and staff have been working on the improvement of mathematics teaching, but this has not yet resulted in improved standards and progress. However, taking into consideration pupils' starting points when they enter the school, overall achievement is good. The quality of teaching is good, with some outstanding elements, and monitoring ensures that the consistency is maintained. Teachers are enthusiastic, display good subject knowledge and have high expectations. There are examples of very effective questioning to engage pupils and excellent pace in lessons so that understanding builds as the lesson progresses. However, in some mathematics lessons pupils are not given enough opportunities to use their knowledge and understanding to investigate problems. Teachers generally plan well for mixed-age classes so that pupils of all abilities are provided with work that is well matched to their needs. However,

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Grade: 2

although there are examples of effective marking to guide pupils to understand their next steps in learning in some subjects, this is not consistent in mathematics. The school has clear systems to analyse assessment results and to track pupils' progress against appropriately challenging targets. Reviews of progress enable intervention and support for particular groups or individuals, and pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make good progress. Pupils' spiritual, social, moral and cultural development is good and promoted successfully through the curriculum, assemblies, and the high expectations that permeate the work of the school. The school is working hard to broaden pupils' understanding of the varied cultures found within Britain and beyond and has, for example, a well-established link with a school in Ghana. Relationships in the school are very good and the pupils are considerate towards one

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Grade: 2

another. Pupils are encouraged to be thoughtful. They say that bullying is very rare and they know that all the adults in the school will help them if they are troubled or unhappy. Consequently, pupils feel very safe and have positive attitudes to school. For example, one 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Doddiscombsleigh Community School, 8 October 2008 pupil, when asked about his views on the school, said, 'I really like my teachers and working with my friends. I like design and technology because we make interesting things.' This enjoyment of school life is reflected in pupils' improving attendance levels and the positive responses given in surveys of their views. They have a good understanding of issues relating to healthy eating. They are also very willing to contribute to school life and to the wider community. The pupils' effective personal qualities and good basic skills mean that they are well prepared for transfer to secondary school and later life.

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Grade: 2

The good curriculum is enhanced by visits and visitors to the school that contribute significantly to the pupils' enjoyment and achievement. Instrumental music tuition is a particular strength and the school has an orchestra coordinated by a parent. There is good provision for a variety of sports through an initiative with the local secondary school and the arts are well served through the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Inclusion is good, and staff work hard to ensure that all pupils are involved in the activities. Accommodation is used well, with excellent provision of outdoor play equipment and an amphitheatre with imaginative plans in place for further improvement. Leadership and management are effective and there is good capacity to improve. The staff work well as a team and good pastoral arrangements contribute to the safety and care of the pupils. The headteacher has a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the

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Grade: 2

school and a clear focus on raising standards as well as meeting pupils' social and emotional needs. Parents support the work of the school and appreciate the headteacher's commitment to improvement. They note particularly her involvement in developing the school's role within the community, together with care for individual pupils and their families. The school's self-evaluation is accurate and forms the basis for well-planned improvements. Governance is good. Over the last few years there has been considerable change in the governing body. Governors are committed to improvement and bring a good range of skills to support the work of the school.

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Grade: 3

Children in the EYFS make satisfactory progress in their learning because the teaching caters for most of their needs. The very broad range of ability is met through imaginative help and support, although this does not always fully stretch the most able children. Teaching is well supported by a team of assistants who help to assess and monitor the progress of the children. There are good opportunities to play safely, both outside in a well-structured area and inside within the adjoining pre-school. The outside area is not covered and this restricts use during poor weather. Children can enjoy role play along with sand and water play, as well as having chances to use information and communication technology. Play is not always sufficiently well structured, however, so that children can fully explore their own imaginations and enjoyment and initiate their own activities. Children's progress is very well recorded and this is used to inform lesson planning. Staff have

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Grade: 3

a firm grasp of the children's progress and ensure they are involved in their own assessments. Children's personal development and well-being are good, and this is appreciated by parents. Children care for and support each other when they are working, playing and eating together, and their good manners, taking turns and helpfulness are very clear. Behaviour is well managed by teachers and assistants. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Doddiscombsleigh Community School, 8 October 2008 Staff work hard to make sure children's welfare is at the heart of the EYFS and this results in a happy environment and the building up of children's skills in all areas of learning.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Ensure appropriate support for the full range of children's abilities in the EYFS.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Raise achievement in mathematics by developing the opportunities for pupils to use their knowledge and understanding to solve problems. ■ Improve teachers' marking in mathematics so that it consistently provides pupils with guidance about their next steps in learning. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Doddiscombsleigh Community School, 8 October 2008 .

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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. 8 of 11 Inspection Report: Doddiscombsleigh Community School, 8 October 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?

3 How well do children in the EYFS achieve? How good are the overall personal development and well-being of the children in the EYFS? 3 How effectively are children in the EYFS helped to learn and develop? 2 How effectively is the welfare of children in the EYFS promoted? 3 How effectively is provision in the EYFS led and managed?

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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/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: Doddiscombsleigh Community School, 8 October 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 2 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 2 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: Doddiscombsleigh Community School, 8 October 2008

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Dear Pupils Inspection of Doddiscombsleigh Community School, Exeter EX6 7PR Thank you for making my colleagues and I feel so welcome in your school when we visited recently and for helping with our questions. We really enjoyed talking to you and found everything that you said very interesting. I was especially interested to hear your views about life at school and to see your orchestra practising. I thought you would like to know what we found out about the school. We agree with you and your parents that your school is good. These are some of the things that we particularly liked.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You enjoy school, work hard in your lessons and make good overall progress.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You behave well and are kind to each other.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your teachers work hard to help you to learn, make your lessons interesting and provide you have with lots of opportunities for art, sport and music. ■ All the staff work well together to take good care of you and keep you safe and healthy.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your headteacher leads the school well and makes sure that you make the most of your time at school. ■ The governors are working hard so that they can support you in your learning.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

The school is trying hard to improve even further. There are three things that we have asked the school to do to achieve this.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Make sure that all the children who start at the school get really good support so that they can make the most of their time in Reception. ■ Raise achievement in mathematics to match the high standards you achieve in English and science by giving you more opportunities to use your knowledge and understanding to solve problems. ■ Ensure that when teachers mark your work in mathematics they help you to understand your next steps in learning. You can help to improve your school even more by continuing to work hard and help each other. I am sure that you will. Best wishes Robert Pyner Her Majesty's Inspector 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Doddiscombsleigh Community School, 8 October 2008

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