Georgeham Church of England (VC) Primary School

Georgeham Church of England (VC) Primary School Inspection report - amended

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113375 Unique Reference Number Devon Local Authority 311237 Inspection number 13 December 2007 Inspection date Alex Baxter 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 controlled School category 4 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 106 School The governing body Appropriate authority Ronnie Croff Chair Julian Thomas Headteacher 19 January 2004 Date of previous school inspection Putsborough Road School address Georgeham Braunton EX33 1JT 01271 890440 Telephone number 01271 890440 Fax number

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4-11 Age group 13 December 2007 Inspection date 311237 Inspection number

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Amended Report Addendum

Report amended due to administration error

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Amended Report Addendum

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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Amended Report Addendum

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 one Additional Inspector. The inspector evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school and investigated the following issues: pupils' achievement, especially in writing and numeracy; provision in the Foundation Stage; the degree to which pupils' attitudes to learning are encouraged and contribute to their progress; and, how effectively new leadership and management are building on strengths and bringing about improvement. Evidence was gathered from observations of lessons and a school assembly and observations of pupils at lunch and play. It was also gathered from teachers' assessments, pupils' work, and discussions with pupils, staff, governors and parents. Other aspects of the school's work were not investigated in detail but the inspector found no evidence to suggest that the school's own assessments, as given in its self-evaluation, were not justified, and these have been included where appropriate in this report.

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Description of the school

The school is smaller than most other primary schools nationally. Children's attainment on entry is generally above that expected for their age, but it can vary from year to year. Very few pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds or have English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties is similar to that found nationally, but is higher than this in some year groups. The school holds the following quality marks: Healthy School status and Activemark Gold award. There have been several changes in teaching staff over the past twelve months. The headteacher took up his post at the beginning of the autumn term in September 2007.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 9 Inspection Report: Georgeham Church of England (VC) Primary School, 13 December 2007

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Grade: 1

Georgeham is an outstanding school. A variety of significant features combines to help pupils make exceptional progress. These include: secure foundations, built on caring Christian values, high expectations and a proven track record of high standards and outstanding pupils' academic and personal achievement a talented, diligent staff, enthused by an inspirational new headteacher, who share a determination to value and build on existing strengths and demonstrate an excellent capacity to promote continued improvement excellent governance, with governors and parents fulfilling their roles supportively within a caring community where children readily give of their best, respect the contributions of others, and enjoy and experience success in learning academically and personally. The school promotes a welcoming family ethos, fully reflecting its excellent partnerships with parents, the church and wider community. These links enable the school to sustain a successful

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Grade: 1

commitment to developing the pupils' very positive attitudes to learning. Care, support and guidance are of high quality and, consequently, pupils' personal development and well-being are excellent. Pupils are right when they say that they feel safe at this school. Recent initiatives such as 'Star of the Week', where pupils' achievements are celebrated, really have stimulated the pupils' interest in learning. Pupils say, 'There is more fun now.' One parent reflected this when writing, 'Our child has enjoyed the excitement of who will be 'Star of the Week' and her enthusiasm is endless.' Most aspects of the school's provision are outstanding. Not least, the way the new headteacher, in the very short time he has been in his post, has recognised existing strengths and worked with colleagues to nurture an increased momentum of improvement. Changes to the way pupils enter school at the start of the day, return to classes at the end of break times, and in the way

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Grade: 1

pupils have ownership of their learning, have brought a noticeable sense of calmness and purpose to the day-to-day life of the school. This continued and clear educational direction represents excellent leadership and management and very sharp self-evaluation. There is very astute management of change incorporating a strong unity of purpose shared between staff, governors and parents and, increasingly, by the pupils themselves. The headteacher's encouragement of teamwork and improved use of data to track pupils' progress are helping staff to contribute even more effectively to the day-to-day running of the school. Teaching and learning are outstanding. Teaching, in all parts of the school, is typified by high expectations of work and behaviour and appropriately challenging targets. It has a cumulative and positive effect in promoting pupils' excellent learning. The increasing involvement of pupils

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Grade: 1

in evaluating their own efforts is strengthening the way pupils become more mature, independent and effective learners as they move through the school. Teachers have introduced displays known as 'learning walls' which now, more visually than in the past, show pupils what they have achieved and what they have to do next to improve. Because of this, pupils know what is expected, respect advice and the value given to their efforts, and apply themselves enthusiastically to their work. This approach is accelerating progress in writing, in particular, bringing it up to the high standards evident in pupils' speaking and reading skills. Children make a good start in Reception where they make good progress with most developing skills above those normally expected. They do exceptionally well in extending their speaking 4 of 9 Inspection Report: Georgeham Church of England (VC) Primary School, 13 December 2007

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Grade: 1

and writing skills. However, opportunities for children to learn practically and by making their own choices are constrained at times by the lack of space and facilities available. Good progress continues in Years 1 and 2. Progress in writing is noticeably increasing, especially by potentially higher attainers, as pupils learn to evaluate and improve their own work. Standards in Year 2 are above average in speaking, reading, writing and mathematics. By the end of Year 6, standards are very high in English and mathematics and have been so for a number of years. These standards represent outstanding achievement in relation to pupils' capabilities and reflect not only high quality teaching but also high levels of commitment from the pupils themselves. The school provides an excellent curriculum for its pupils. Teachers and their assistants adapt learning activities extremely successfully to meet pupils' needs, including those with learning

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Grade: 1

difficulties. The school's close links with parents and outside agencies contribute to the excellent range of clubs, educational visits and community activities. Daily assemblies and enjoyable learning activities, such as dance, choir and skate club, contribute strongly to the pupils' excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and to their good attendance. Pupils take their responsibilities seriously, for example, as members of the school council when offering ideas willingly and thoughtfully to benefit the school. These qualities reflect the pupils' highly developed understanding of healthy living and excellent preparation for their future economic well-being.

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Grade: 2

Provision for children in the Foundation Stage and its leadership are good. Staff promote very good relationships with the onsite playgroup and with parents. These ensure that children experience a warm welcome and a good start to their education in the Reception/Year 1 class. Teaching and learning are good and there are outstanding features, especially the way that children's early writing skills are developed. The teacher and her assistant also provide excellent care, support and guidance. As a result, children make good progress. Most children reach, and many exceed, the early learning goals set for their age and do particularly well in developing their speaking and listening, numeracy and writing skills. The school has improved outdoor learning facilities since the last inspection. These help children to enjoy and benefit from a good range of learning opportunities, including both adult led and activities chosen by the

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Grade: 2

children themselves. However, the accommodation lacks sufficient space for children to learn more practically through indoor role play, for example. In addition, children have to use toilets in the main building and this is not only an inconvenience, but also limits their ability to make their own choices.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Improve the accommodation and facilities for children in Reception to increase opportunities for them to learn practically and to make choices for themselves. 5 of 9 Inspection Report: Georgeham Church of England (VC) Primary School, 13 December 2007 .

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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. 6 of 9 Inspection Report: Georgeham Church of England (VC) Primary School, 13 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 1 The capacity to make any necessary improvements

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Achievement and standards

1 How well do learners achieve? 1 The standards 1 reached by learners How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners 1 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?

1 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. 7 of 9 Inspection Report: Georgeham Church of England (VC) Primary School, 13 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 1 How effectively leaders and managers use challenging targets to raise standards 1 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? 8 of 9 Inspection Report: Georgeham Church of England (VC) Primary School, 13 December 2007

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

13 December 2007 Dear Pupils Inspection of Georgeham Cof E Primary School, Georgeham EX33 1JT I really enjoyed visiting your school and was very impressed by the calm, orderly way in which everyone in the school goes about their work. I noticed too how you and many of your parents felt the same sense of purpose on arriving at the school in the morning. I would like to thank those of you who took the time to talk to me, particularly the school council. I agree with many of you and your parents who quite rightly feel that Georgeham is an outstanding school.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You make outstanding progress and the standards you reach in Year 6 are much higher than in most schools. ■ It was very pleasing to see your excellent relationships and behaviour. It is clear that you respect the caring adults who look after you so well. ■ Teaching and learning are excellent. The way you are encouraged to think for yourselves about your work and how you could do even better is a particularly impressive feature. ■ You really enjoy school. This is because you have excellent learning activities and learn happily with and from each other. You are very knowledgeable about how to live healthily and safely and contribute very enthusiastically to your school and community. ■ Your new headteacher and senior managers lead and manage the school very well indeed.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

To help the school to become even better I have asked the headteacher and governors to improve the accommodation and facilities for children in Reception to make it a better and more enjoyable place to learn. Please keep giving of your best. Thank you once again, and best wishes for the future. Yours sincerely Alex Baxter Lead Inspector 9 of 9 Inspection Report: Georgeham Church of England (VC) Primary School, 13 December 2007

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Inspection of Georgeham Cof E Primary School, Georgeham EX33 1JT

I really enjoyed visiting your school and was very impressed by the calm, orderly way in which everyone in the school goes about their work. I noticed too how you and many of your parents felt the same sense of purpose on arriving at the school in the morning. I would like to thank those of you who took the time to talk to me, particularly the school council. I agree with many of you and your parents who quite rightly feel that Georgeham is an outstanding school.

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Inspection of Georgeham Cof E Primary School, Georgeham EX33 1JT

• You make outstanding progress and the standards you reach in Year 6 are much higher than in most schools. • It was very pleasing to see your excellent relationships and behaviour. It is clear that you respect the caring adults who look after you so well. • Teaching and learning are excellent. The way you are encouraged to think for yourselves about your work and how you could do even better is a particularly impressive feature. • You really enjoy school. This is because you have excellent learning activities and learn happily with and from each other. You are very knowledgeable about how to live healthily and safely and contribute very enthusiastically to your school and community. • Your new headteacher and senior managers lead and manage the school very well indeed.

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Inspection of Georgeham Cof E Primary School, Georgeham EX33 1JT

To help the school to become even better I have asked the headteacher and governors to improve the accommodation and facilities for children in Reception to make it a better and more enjoyable place to learn.

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Inspection of Georgeham Cof E Primary School, Georgeham EX33 1JT

Thank you once again, and best wishes for the future. Yours sincerely

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