Little Horsted Church of England Primary School

Little Horsted Church of England Primary School Inspection report

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114557 Unique Reference Number East Sussex Local Authority 311645 Inspection number 4 June 2008 Inspection date Sheila Browning 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 109 School The governing body Appropriate authority Lisa Crosby Chair Michael Davies Headteacher 17 January 2005 Date of previous school inspection Little Horsted School address Uckfield TN22 5TS 01825 750380 Telephone number 01825 750380 Fax number

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4-11 Age group 4 June 2008 Inspection date 311645 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 one Additional Inspector. The inspector evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school and investigated the following issues: • pupils’ progress in reading, writing and mathematics, especially that of the more able pupils • pupils’ attitudes and enjoyment for learning • the role of subject leaders. Evidence was gathered from observations of lessons, discussions with staff, governors and pupils, scrutiny of documentation and an analysis of parents’ views. 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

This small school takes most of its pupils from the local community, although some travel from further afield. Most pupils are White British and a few come from a range of other minority ethnic backgrounds. The proportion identified as having learning difficulties and/or disabilities is lower than that found nationally. In recognition of its work, the school has gained a Basic Quality Skills Mark, an Arts Mark, the silver Healthy Schools award and an ICT Mark for its use of information and communication technology.

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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: Little Horsted Church of England Primary School, 4 June 2008

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Grade: 2

This is a good school that has some outstanding features. Good and effective leadership and management have brought about improvements in the learning environment, teaching and the curriculum. As a result, pupils' achievement is good across the school and is improving, especially in mathematics and science. Pupils are nurtured in this very happy and caring school. Consequently, their attitudes, behaviour and their personal development are exemplary. The good curriculum places a high priority on developing pupils' basic skills in literacy, numeracy, and information and communication technology, and this prepares them well for their future. At the same time, the school is developing a more creative curriculum, with links between subjects to make learning more exciting and relevant. Pupils swim, learn German and visit places of educational interest. A good emphasis is given to the arts and sports, and some high quality

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Grade: 2

work is on display. The numerous enrichment opportunities, from breakfast club to multi-cultural and enterprise days, provide pupils with a real enjoyment for learning. Their excellent attendance and their views reflect this. As one commented, 'there's very little we would change'. Pupils' show an excellent understanding of how to stay safe and healthy. They can explain why fizzy drinks and unhealthy snacks should be avoided. Older pupils know how to respond to emergencies and younger ones take part in road safety training. Through a link with a school in West Africa, they correspond with letters and pictures of life in East Sussex. They happily take up responsibilities as play buddies, class and school councillors. They have been involved in the new playground markings, water fountains and recycling, and are planning an environmental wildlife area. Pupils show an acute awareness of cultural diversity, are clearly

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Grade: 2

very sociable, know right from wrong and demonstrate a good spiritual awareness. Pupils make good progress from their average starting points because teaching is good. Pupils build on their good skills in Years 1 to 6 and, by the end of Year 6, standards in English, mathematics and science are above average and are on track to rise this year. More able pupils achieve well because the work set is suitably challenging. Teachers make learning interesting, and the positive relationships throughout the school are a real strength. Across the school, standards are improving in English, though standards in writing are not as high as in reading. Pupils generally write well in their literacy lessons and books but they do not readily transfer such good writing skills in other subjects. Writing is very varied in its quality and content in other subjects. With this in mind, a whole-school focus on writing has been planned for next

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Grade: 2

year. Standards in science are well above average and pupils' knowledge and understanding reflect the strong teaching and many practical learning opportunities that enthuse pupils. One pupil, reflecting a typical view, commented, 'Science is just great.' Pupils are extremely well cared for and kept very safe. Pupils with learning difficulties are identified quickly and supported, enabling them to achieve well. The more able pupils are also encouraged to join in extension activities, both in and out of school hours. Rigorous checking systems help the school to know how well pupils are achieving and when needed this triggers support early on. Except for Years 5 and 6, pupils are not as involved as they could be in checking their own progress towards their set targets. At present, staff do not consistently check that pupils are always involved and really understand what they need to do to achieve their very

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Grade: 2

best. The strong leadership by the headteacher has been crucial in bringing about the improvements made in the buildings, resources and curriculum. Statistical data is thoroughly analysed. Monitoring and evaluation systems are used well to find any weaknesses or concerns and effective action is taken to tackle them. For instance, in mathematics, standards fell last 4 of 9 Inspection Report: Little Horsted Church of England Primary School, 4 June 2008 year. Though this partly reflected the specific nature of the cohort, the school quickly remedied the situation. Good intervention and support, improved resources and a focus on raising girls' confidence in mathematics have resulted in standards set to exceed all expectations. Year 6 girls spoke proudly of their presentation on mathematics teaching to parents. The school is introducing the new numeracy strategy successfully and is about to embark on the literacy

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Grade: 2

strategy. Senior leaders form a strong team and they are ably supported by informed middle managers, including subject leaders. Their monitoring work contributes well to the improving standards and curriculum. Governors are supportive, proactive and challenge the school well. In all, this is a school that has a clear understanding of its strengths and weaknesses and all staff work as one to continue to improve the school. Challenging targets are met and the school's track record shows that it is well placed to further improve. Excellent links and consultation with parents and the community help secure a 'family atmosphere'. Almost all parents are positive about the school's work and links with external agencies and parents are strong. One parent expressed the views of many in commenting that, 'children achieve a lot here both academically and socially.'

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Grade: 2

Children have a good start in Reception. On joining, children have skills that meet typical expectations for their age. By the time children start Year 1, most exceed the expected standards for their age. Good teaching underpins their good achievement and enjoyment for learning. Through a well-balanced range of exciting activities directed by the teacher and chosen by children, they become confident independent learners. Wearing waterproofs on a pretend fishing trip, they caught fish and were thrilled when they handled real fish and looked at them through magnifying glasses. This sparked off lots of talk about 'fish mouths and their smelly slippery scales'. Robust systems are used to check children's progress and, because teachers know the children so well, any support is well matched to individual needs. Parents rightly comment on the good care, support and guidance given. The school is currently improving and

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Grade: 2

extending its environment so that learning can be even more exciting.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Build on the opportunities for pupils to practise and improve their writing skills in a range of subjects. ■ Involve pupils more in checking their own progress against targets set, and ensure that teachers consistently check that pupils know what they need to do to achieve their best. 5 of 9 Inspection Report: Little Horsted Church of England Primary School, 4 June 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. 6 of 9 Inspection Report: Little Horsted Church of England Primary School, 4 June 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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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 1 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. 7 of 9 Inspection Report: Little Horsted Church of England Primary School, 4 June 2008

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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? 8 of 9 Inspection Report: Little Horsted Church of England Primary School, 4 June 2008

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

4 June 2008 Dear Pupils Inspection of Little Horsted C of E Primary School, Uckfield TN22 5TS Thank you for welcoming me to your school. You are very polite and friendly and extremely well behaved. I enjoyed talking with you and agree that your school is good and it does so much to help you to do well. Some of the things I found out about your school:

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You are very happy at school and really enjoy it because adults do so much to make learning fun, especially for the younger ones. ■ You work well in lessons, and your achievement as you move up through the school is good. This helps you to reach above average standards. ■ You have an exciting curriculum and teaching is good.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your personal development is excellent and you are confident, polite and very responsible. You told me how proud you were to be buddies and councillors. ■ You have an excellent understanding of how to lead safe and healthy lives and enjoy all the numerous sporting activities offered. ■ All the adults are very kind and caring and they really look after you well.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your school is well led and managed and the headteacher and other staff are working hard together to make sure it keeps on improving. ■ Almost all of your parents are very pleased that you are at Little Horsted.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

What I have asked your school to do now:

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Help you improve your writing even more by ensuring that you have lots of opportunities to write well in different subjects. ■ Involve all of you in checking how well you are getting on against your targets and help you to understand how to do even better. You can help, too, by writing as well as you can in every subject. Also, you can check whether or not you are meeting your targets and ask teachers what you need to do to improve further. Yours sincerely Sheila Browning Lead inspector 9 of 9 Inspection Report: Little Horsted Church of England Primary School, 4 June 2008

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Annex B

Inspection of Little Horsted C of E Primary School, Uckfield TN22 5TS

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Annex B

Thank you for welcoming me to your school. You are very polite and friendly and extremely well behaved. I enjoyed talking with you and agree that your school is good and it does so much to help you to do well.

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Annex B

Some of the things I found out about your school:

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Annex B

• You are very happy at school and really enjoy it because adults do so much to make learning fun, especially for the younger ones. • You work well in lessons, and your achievement as you move up through the school is good. This helps you to reach above average standards. • You have an exciting curriculum and teaching is good. • Your personal development is excellent and you are confident, polite and very responsible. You told me how proud you were to be buddies and councillors. • You have an excellent understanding of how to lead safe and healthy lives and enjoy all the numerous sporting activities offered. • All the adults are very kind and caring and they really look after you well. • Your school is well led and managed and the headteacher and other staff are working hard together to make sure it keeps on improving. • Almost all of your parents are very pleased that you are at Little Horsted.

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Annex B

What I have asked your school to do now:

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Annex B

• Help you improve your writing even more by ensuring that you have lots of opportunities to write well in different subjects. • Involve all of you in checking how well you are getting on against your targets and help you to understand how to do even better.

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Annex B

You can help, too, by writing as well as you can in every subject. Also, you can check whether or not you are meeting your targets and ask teachers what you need to do to improve further.

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