Doxey Primary and Nursery School

Doxey Primary and Nursery School Inspection report

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124200 Unique Reference Number Staffordshire Local Authority 314841 Inspection number 28 °29 April 2008 Inspection dates Gerald Griffin 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 3 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 181 School The governing body Appropriate authority Charles Soutar Chair Sue Plant Headteacher 8 March 2004 Date of previous school inspection Marsland Road School address Doxey Stafford ST16 1EG 01785 356100 Telephone number 01785 356100 Fax number

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3-11 Age group 28 °29 April 2008 Inspection dates 314841 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 two Additional Inspectors.

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Description of the school

Doxey is a primary school of average size. Nearly all pupils come from White British families. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties is above the national 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: Doxey Primary and Nursery School, 28 °29 April 2008

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Grade: 2

Doxey is a good school where pupils achieve well and attain broadly average standards. Personal development is good and pupils thrive in the school's calm and happy atmosphere. They have positive attitudes, feel very safe and thoroughly enjoy all aspects of school. As a result, pupils are polite, considerate and well behaved. Progress in English, mathematics and science is good. Progress in writing however is not as rapid as in reading, because pupils' spelling and punctuation skills are not always accurate. Children get off to a good start in the Nursery and Reception where they also make good progress. This good progress throughout the school is because teaching and learning are good. Lessons are interesting and pupils are keen to learn. They work hard and lessons proceed at a lively pace. Occasionally the work planned by teachers does not match the needs of all pupils. This means pupils' progress sometimes slows because the level of challenge is not sufficient.

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Grade: 2

The school is correct in its view that the curriculum is satisfactory rather than good. There are not enough opportunities for pupils to practise and develop the skills they have learnt in English and mathematics lessons in other subjects, in order to further accelerate their progress and raise standards. However the curriculum supports pupils' personal development well, and the many examples of good quality artwork are testament to the exciting creative work provided for pupils. Care, guidance and support are good overall. Staff have a very detailed knowledge of the needs of every pupil, and use this most effectively to provide an outstanding level of pastoral care. Pupils with learning difficulties receive good support, especially in the specialist multi-sensory learning unit. Pupils receive good academic guidance. Parents overwhelmingly support the school and believe it provides a good quality of education.

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Grade: 2

One typically writes, 'My three children have made good progress at Doxey. Children are happy and the school is well managed. The staff are very enthusiastic and caring.' Parents also appreciate the advice and encouragement they receive from the school that helps them to support their children's education. The headteacher provides clear direction for the school. Other leaders support her well and staff moral is high. There are many signs that the school is improving under its good leadership and management. Standards have been steadily rising over the past four years and pupils' progress is now good. This good record of improvement means the school can get even better.

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Grade: 2

Children make good progress in the Nursery and Reception. Nearly all reach the expected levels in most areas of learning by the time they start Year 1. Their development in reading, writing and speaking is slower than other areas and reflects the often low level of literacy with which children start school. Children are happy and enjoy their work and play. They behave well and readily share apparatus and toys. Parents are pleased with the programme that ensures they settle quickly into the routines of school. They are especially pleased with the high level of care children receive. Teaching and learning are good. Teachers use assessments well to plan challenging activities. Occasionally children's work is over directed and this hampers their gaining of independence. The outside learning area is regularly used, but outdoor apparatus is limited and this restricts opportunities for children's physical development. The Foundation

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Grade: 2

4 of 11 Inspection Report: Doxey Primary and Nursery School, 28 °29 April 2008 Stage is well led and managed. Improvement plans are robust and there is a well structured programme to improve further staff's expertise in teaching young children.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Improve the accuracy of pupils' spelling and punctuation skills.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Ensure teachers always provide work that challenges pupils.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Provide more opportunities for pupils to strengthen their English and mathematics skills across all subjects.

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Grade: 2

Children's skills and experiences on entry to Nursery are below those expected for their age. By Year 6 standards are broadly average, and pupils' achievement, including those with learning difficulties, is good. The progress of girls, higher attaining pupils and those who receive free school meals has improved greatly so that it is now similar to that of other pupils. This is because the school has introduced effective measures to check regularly the progress of each pupil, and provide appropriate action to remedy slow progress. Progress in writing is good but slower than in reading. Pupils' spelling is not always correct and their use of punctuation, such as speech marks and capital letters is not sufficiently accurate. The handwriting of a minority of pupils lacks clarity and is difficult to read. Progress in mathematics has improved because pupils have more opportunities to practise mental arithmetic.

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Grade: 2

Specialist teaching and good opportunities for practical work lead to good progress in science. New computers with advanced software are raising standards and ensuring good progress in information and communication technology (ICT).

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Grade: 2

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good. They have a high level of respect for others, property and the environment. Pupils are respectful of people with religions and traditions different from their own. A clear understanding of right and wrong underpins their good behaviour. This means pupils do not need constant adult supervision. Occasionally pupils call out in lessons, which distracts others from their work. However, pupils readily help each other and co-operate well in teams. Pupils feel very safe in school and say that the rare cases of bullying are quickly and effectively dealt with. Pupils understand how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and most do their best to take plenty of exercise and eat a balanced diet. Pupils enjoy most of their lessons, educational visits, school clubs and being with their friends. They particularly enjoy the 'wake and shake' session after assembly to prepare themselves physically and mentally for the forthcoming day's work.

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Grade: 2

Pupils' enthusiasm for school however is not reflected in their attendance, which is average. The school is working hard with parents to secure good attendance. Pupils readily take responsibility as monitors and 'playground buddies'. The school council has helped improve the toilets and reorganise the house system. Pupils enthusiastically take part in local events and are keen to support the wider community through charity collections. Average standards and positive attitudes provide satisfactory preparation for secondary school and future employment. 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Doxey Primary and Nursery School, 28 °29 April 2008

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Grade: 2

Teachers use resources such as computers, games and apparatus well to engage and interest pupils. Relationships in lessons are positive. Lesson targets are always clear and as a result, pupils know what they need to do and work hard. Teachers are becoming more skilled in the use of assessment results to prepare lessons but sometimes their plans still do not take sufficient account of the different needs of pupils in the class. In these lessons, progress slows as some pupils struggle with work that is too difficult while others coast because their work is too easy. Occasionally teachers over direct lessons, limiting opportunities for pupils to take control of their learning and gain independence. Teaching assistants make a valuable contribution to learning especially for pupils with learning difficulties.

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Grade: 3

Assemblies, swimming, physical education and health lessons support pupils' personal development well. Improvements to the English and mathematics curriculum ensure good progress in these subjects. However, there are too few opportunities for pupils to practise skills such as writing reports and letters and to apply their knowledge of number to solve problems in subjects, such as geography, history and design and technology. This is preventing an even greater rate of progress in English and mathematics. The school is aware of this and is currently implementing plans to provide more time for such activities. There is a good range of popular and well attended clubs that extend pupils' horizons and add to their enjoyment of school. The many visitors to school and educational visits to such places as museums broaden pupils' experiences.

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Grade: 2

Pupils are looked after very well in school. Pupils can readily approach an adult at school with a problem knowing their concerns will be sympathetically and effectively resolved. Pupils with learning difficulties receive sensitive support. Their effective learning programmes make good use of the multi-sensory learning unit with its specialised resources to accelerate their learning. Experts provide training for staff so that they can effectively respond to pupils' special educational needs, such as dyslexia. The school works well with a wide range of outside specialists, such as the Educational Welfare Officer, to support pupils' learning. Health and safety matters and child protection procedures are robust and regularly reviewed. Good academic guidance means that pupils know their targets well. Assessments provide them with an accurate measure of their progress. Marking is more variable although it is good overall.

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Grade: 2

It is regular and shows pupils where they have gone wrong. It does not always make clear to pupils how they can improve their work. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Doxey Primary and Nursery School, 28 °29 April 2008

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Grade: 2

Regular and robust monitoring and evaluation provides the school with a largely accurate view of its strengths and areas for development. The school has effective improvement plans. For example, the school has successfully improved pupils' ICT skills by refurbishing the computer suite. The headteacher and other leaders have provided staff with effective training on how to use assessment information to track the progress of individuals and to plan work that accelerates the progress of pupils who are falling behind. The school sets challenging and realistic targets although these are not always recorded in a format that they can be easily checked. The school uses staff well to keep class numbers small so that pupils are able to receive more individual help. The governors work very hard on behalf of the school. Their accurate interpretation of assessment information enables them to challenge the school rigorously over the quality of

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Grade: 2

education it provides. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Doxey Primary and Nursery School, 28 °29 April 2008 .

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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: Doxey Primary and Nursery School, 28 °29 April 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? 3 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?

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 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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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: Doxey Primary and Nursery School, 28 °29 April 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? 10 of 11 Inspection Report: Doxey Primary and Nursery School, 28 °29 April 2008

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

30 April 2008 Dear Pupils Inspection of Doxey Primary and Nursery School, Stafford, ST16 1EG Thank you for being so polite and friendly when we visited your school recently. We enjoyed our visit, especially having the opportunity to talk to some of you and to see you in lessons and at play. You are rightly proud of the school's happy atmosphere where you all get on so well together. Like you, we think Doxey is a good school. Here are some of the things we found out.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You make good progress in your lessons.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The good teaching helps you to reach average standards in English, mathematics and science.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You really enjoy school and feel very safe and secure.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You behave well and your attendance is satisfactory.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You have good relationships with your teachers and you work hard for them.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The curriculum provides you with many exciting extra activities including visits out of school.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Adults look after you very well and it is good to know they will always help you.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The headteacher and teachers are working hard to make sure the school gets better.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

We have asked the school to do three things to help you get even better in your learning.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Help you to improve the accuracy of your spelling and punctuation skills.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Make sure teachers plan work that makes everyone think hard.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Give you more opportunities to practice your English and mathematics skills in other subjects.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

You can help the school by continuing to behave well and trying your best in lessons, and improving your attendance. We wish you all success in the future. Yours sincerely Gerald Griffin Lead inspector 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Doxey Primary and Nursery School, 28 °29 April 2008

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Annex B

Inspection of Doxey Primary and Nursery School, Stafford, ST16 1EG

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Annex B

Thank you for being so polite and friendly when we visited your school recently. We enjoyed our visit, especially having the opportunity to talk to some of you and to see you in lessons and at play. You are rightly proud of the school’s happy atmosphere where you all get on so well together. Like you, we think Doxey is a good school. Here are some of the things we found out.

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Annex B

• You make good progress in your lessons. • The good teaching helps you to reach average standards in English, mathematics and science. • You really enjoy school and feel very safe and secure. • You behave well and your attendance is satisfactory. • You have good relationships with your teachers and you work hard for them. • The curriculum provides you with many exciting extra activities including visits out of school. • Adults look after you very well and it is good to know they will always help you. • The headteacher and teachers are working hard to make sure the school gets better.

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Annex B

We have asked the school to do three things to help you get even better in your learning.

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Annex B

• Help you to improve the accuracy of your spelling and punctuation skills. • Make sure teachers plan work that makes everyone think hard. • Give you more opportunities to practice your English and mathematics skills in other subjects.

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Annex B

You can help the school by continuing to behave well and trying your best in lessons, and improving your attendance.

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