St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School

St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School Inspection report

p.1

124261 Unique Reference Number Staffordshire Local Authority 314864 Inspection number 30 April 2008 Inspection date Paul Edwards Reporting inspector

p.1

This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.

p.1

Primary Type of school Voluntary controlled School category 3 °11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 29 School The governing body Appropriate authority Julia Cook Chair S E Evans Headteacher 1 March 2004 Date of previous school inspection Buxton Road School address Longnor Buxton SK17 0NZ 01298 83233 Telephone number 01298 83233 Fax number

p.1

3-11 Age group 30 April 2008 Inspection date 314864 Inspection number .

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

Introduction

The inspection was carried out by an Additional Inspector.

p.3

Description of the school

All pupils who attend this very small primary school are from White British ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is well below average. Children attend the Nursery in the morning when they are taught alongside those in the Reception class.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 11 Inspection Report: St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School, 30 April 2008

p.3

Grade: 2

St Bartholomew's provides a good education for its pupils. Without exception, parents responding to the questionnaire are keen to acknowledge the good teaching, care and range of activities provided for their children. The views of one parent were typical when commenting, 'I cannot praise enough the work that the staff do. The early years are so critical for a child's start in education and St Bartholomew's is a perfect start.' Pupils achieve well throughout the school, making good progress, so that by the end of Year 4, they attain standards that are above expectations. Pupils' spelling and handwriting skills are particularly good. Good systems for tracking the pupils' progress have rightly identified that a small number of more able pupils occasionally do not achieve as well as they could in mathematics and writing. Children make a good start in the Foundation Stage. Careful planning ensures children in the Reception class are provided with work that is well matched to their

p.4

Grade: 2

ability, both when they work with children in the Nursery class in the morning and older pupils in the afternoon. Although formal assessments are used effectively to identify how well pupils are progressing, teachers do not make sufficient use of day-to-day assessments to identify the next steps in learning, especially for those who are more able. Learning is good because teachers have established a climate where pupils thoroughly enjoy the activities and have good relationships with adults. Teachers expect a great deal from the pupils and this contributes to the pupils' good personal development. Behaviour is outstanding, as is the pupils' enjoyment of school. Their good attendance is testament to this. Pupils say they feel safe in school and free from bullying. Although there are effective examples of marking and setting of pupils' targets, the process is not consistent. The curriculum is lively and

p.4

Grade: 2

interesting and the particularly effective links with the Peak Park and Wildlife Trust have helped to create a very stimulating outdoor environment. There are many opportunities for the pupils to take part in physical activities, both in lessons and during break times. They thoroughly enjoy the 'swingo' with older pupils, taking responsibility to ensure all pupils have a go. The Healthy Schools and Activemark awards recognise the pupils' efforts to follow a healthy lifestyle. Under the good leadership of the headteacher and effective support of the governing body, the school continues to improve. However, it is not complacent and is keen to embrace new initiatives as it seeks to make the curriculum more exciting for the pupils. Very good links with neighbouring schools enable it to provide a greater range of activities. For example, shared physical education lessons provide pupils with the opportunity to take part in sessions with

p.4

Grade: 2

pupils from another school under the leadership of a skilled practitioner. Its self-evaluation is incisive and accurate. There is a clear picture of what it needs to do to become more effective and it is well placed to improve further. All staff take on responsibilities and they support one another very well. The pupils' enthusiasm for school is mirrored by the enthusiasm of the staff. This results in a very happy learning environment. There are excellent links with the on site play group, the parents and the community.

p.4

Grade: 2

Children in the Nursery and Reception classes are given a good start to their education. Careful planning and a sympathetic approach to meeting the needs of individuals ensure they are provided with a good range of activities that are mostly well matched to their level of ability. On entry to Year 1, standards are above average. Occasionally, more able children could be 4 of 11 Inspection Report: St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School, 30 April 2008 moved on more quickly. Good planning, coupled with thorough assessment procedures, provides staff and parents with a clear picture of how well the children are doing. Resources are well utilised so that children choose activities that stimulate their learning and enthusiasm. However, staff know when to intervene to provide help. There is a good emphasis on the development of basic skills. For example, there are regular sessions that ensure the children's awareness of

p.4

Grade: 2

letter sounds and blends are secure. This is one of the reasons why pupils' spelling and reading skills progress well throughout the school. The personal, social and emotional development of the children is good and they rapidly gain in confidence. The leadership of the Foundation Stage is good. The 'complication' of morning only Nursery children and Reception children who work with Year 1 and 2 pupils in the afternoon is managed well.

p.5

What the school should do to improve further

■ Accelerate the progress of the more able pupils, particularly in mathematics and writing.

p.5

What the school should do to improve further

■ Improve the teachers' use of day-to-day assessments and the quality of marking so that the next steps in learning are clearly identified.

p.5

Grade: 2

Children enter the Nursery class with skills that are broadly average. However, with such small year groups, there is a wide variation from year to year. The good progress seen in the Foundation Stage is built upon effectively, so that pupils attain good basic skills in both literacy and numeracy throughout the school. Whilst the school correctly identifies that, occasionally, some more able pupils are not doing as well as they should, strategies to address this issue are not secure. Pupils' science skills are above average, the result of a well-structured programme that makes very good use of the excellent wildlife area and skills of a specialist teacher. The small number of pupils who find reading and writing difficult are provided with good support and encouragement, enabling them to make the same rate of progress as their classmates.

p.5

Grade: 2

Pupils' behaviour and their enjoyment of school are significant strengths of the school. Pupils' moral and social development is very good, pupils having a clear understanding of right and wrong. They have an inherent sense of fairness, for example, when overseeing playground games. Pupils of all ages show a good knowledge of why they should eat healthily and take plenty of exercise. Most enjoy the healthy snacks that are available throughout the day. Pupils' understanding of other cultures and the diverse society in which they live is satisfactory and the school is working hard to ensure this improves. Pupils contribute well to the community, raising funds for charities, participating in church services and, in particular, the development of the outdoor learning environment. Pupils' very positive attitudes and their ability to work well with others, combined with good basic skills, demonstrate that they are well prepared for

p.5

Grade: 2

the next stage in their education. 5 of 11 Inspection Report: St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School, 30 April 2008

p.5

Grade: 2

In all classes, pupils are keen to learn because of the strong relationships that exist with staff. All pupils are very keen to learn, particularly when activities have a practical element. They make consistently good progress academically and socially. Teachers' subject knowledge is good and they use this effectively to extend pupils' thinking, particularly when they ask open-ended questions. Interactive whiteboards are used well to support both teaching and learning and to add interest to lessons. The planning of lessons is usually thorough. However, teachers do not consistently make good use of day-to-day assessments of what pupils already know and can do to ensure the next steps in learning are sufficiently challenging for the more able pupils. Whilst marking of work is undertaken regularly, there are missed opportunities to identify what the pupils should do next to improve their work.

p.6

Grade: 2

Pupils reach standards that are above expectations in English and mathematics by the end of Year 4 because of the clear emphasis placed on these areas. Skills are extended in these areas through well-planned links to other subjects. For example, pupils wrote very good letters purporting to be from Anne Boleyn, asking her husband to reconsider the decision to behead her! Pupils' skills in information and communication technology have improved since the last inspection because of better provision. The curriculum makes a good contribution to pupils' personal development and especially their excellent understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle. An increasingly broad range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities, which enhances pupils' engagement and enjoyment, is being provided, partly through the school's links with other schools. The employment of specialist teachers for French, music and physical

p.6

Grade: 2

education enhances pupils' learning in these areas. Visits, visitors and the opportunity to participate in a residential journey add significantly to the pupils' personal development.

p.6

Grade: 2

Pupils' well-being is supported well through rigorous child protection and health and safety procedures. Staff work hard to ensure the environment is caring and secure and this contributes significantly to pupils' considerable enthusiasm for school. Adults know the pupils very well, supporting those who find work more difficult. The school's assessment procedures have improved significantly since the previous inspection and enable staff to keep a careful track of pupils' progress. This results in early intervention for those who are at risk of falling behind. There are good examples of the use of individual targets, ensuring pupils know their goals. However, the process is inconsistent and not rigorously implemented throughout the school. Induction arrangements for children starting the school and for transfer to the middle school are good, ensuring pupils settle well. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School, 30 April 2008

p.6

Grade: 2

The school's monitoring and evaluation of its work is good. It is aware that, in such a small school, it needs to 'expand its horizons.' To this end, it has made good use of local authority expertise and that of external consultants to provide advice on aspects of its work. All teachers have undergone training to improve their leadership skills and this is helping to maintain standards. However, the school acknowledges the need to develop further the effectiveness of middle managers, particularly to enhance learning in the foundation subjects. Good tracking procedures are in place and used well to identify how well pupils are doing and where progress slows. The school is making very good use of links with other schools and organisations to enhance its provision. It has been successful in attracting grants that have enabled it to work closely with the Peak Park and Wild Life Trust to develop an enviable outside learning

p.7

Grade: 2

environment. The governors are supportive and work closely with the school to improve the provision. Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of St Bartholomew's and readily identify its strengths. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School, 30 April 2008 .

p.7

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: St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School, 30 April 2008

p.8

Inspection judgements

School Overall Key to judgements: grade 1 is outstanding, grade 2 good, grade 3 satisfactory, and grade 4 inadequate

p.9

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

p.9

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

p.9

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 1 How well learners enjoy their education 2 The attendance of learners 1 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

p.9

and interests of learners?

2 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?

p.9

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: St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School, 30 April 2008

p.9

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: St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School, 30 April 2008

p.10

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

1 May 2008 Dear Pupils Inspection of St Bartholomew's C of E Primary School, Longnor, SK17 0NZ Thank you for talking to me when I visited your school recently. Those of you that I talked to enjoyed telling me about the many things you enjoy. I can see why you enjoy coming because it is a good school. These are some of the good things that I found:

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You make good progress in your work from when you start, all the way through to when you leave in Year 4. ■ You enjoy the physical activities and eat healthily.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You behave exceptionally well and really enjoy school.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your teachers give you many interesting things to do.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You look after one another well and care about others who are not as fortunate as yourselves.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The headteacher, staff and governors work hard to make the school even better.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

These are some of the things that I have asked the school to do to help it improve:

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Help those of you who find work in mathematics and writing a little easier to do better.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Improve how teachers mark your work and make better use of the information to help you reach your targets. You can help by continuing to work hard and do your best. Yours sincerely Paul Edwards Lead inspector 11 of 11 Inspection Report: St Bartholomew's CofE (C) School, 30 April 2008

p.11

Annex B

Inspection of St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School, Longnor, SK17 0NZ

p.12

Annex B

Thank you for talking to me when I visited your school recently. Those of you that I talked to enjoyed telling me about the many things you enjoy. I can see why you enjoy coming because it is a good school.

p.12

Annex B

These are some of the good things that I found:

p.12

Annex B

• You make good progress in your work from when you start, all the way through to when you leave in Year 4. • You enjoy the physical activities and eat healthily. • You behave exceptionally well and really enjoy school. • The adults look after you well. • Your teachers give you many interesting things to do. • You look after one another well and care about others who are not as fortunate as yourselves. • The headteacher, staff and governors work hard to make the school even better.

p.12

Annex B

These are some of the things that I have asked the school to do to help it improve:

p.12

Annex B

• Help those of you who find work in mathematics and writing a little easier to do better. • Improve how teachers mark your work and make better use of the information to help you reach your targets.

p.12

Annex B

You can help by continuing to work hard and do your best.

p.12