Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School

Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School Inspection report

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125670 Unique Reference Number Warwickshire Local Authority 315282 Inspection number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Derek Watts 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 218 School The governing body Appropriate authority Julia Bower Chair David Briggs Headteacher 8 December 2003 Date of previous school inspection Station Road School address Clifton-upon-Dunsmore Rugby CV23 0BT 01788 542027 Telephone number 01788 541351 Fax number

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4-11 Age group 21 February 2008 Inspection date 315282 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 an Additional Inspector. The inspector evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school and investigated the following aspects: how well leadership and management were improving pupils' writing across the school; mathematics and the more able in Year 1 and 2; and the effectiveness of the school's assessment procedures. Evidence was gathered from lesson observations and a scrutiny of pupils' work and school documentation. Parents' questionnaires and discussions with pupils, governors and staff also contributed to the judgements. 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 form, were not justified, and these have been included where appropriate in this report.

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Description of the school

Clifton-upon-Dunmore is slightly smaller than the average primary school. Most pupils are from a White British background. Very few pupils speak English as an additional language and none are at an early stage of learning English. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is below average. The current headteacher was appointed in January 2007 and the deputy headteacher 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 10 Inspection Report: Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School, 21 February 2008

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Grade: 2

Clifton-upon-Dunsmore C of E Primary is a good school. It has some outstanding aspects to its work. Across the school, pupils achieve well because of an excellent start in the Reception class, good teaching and an outstanding curriculum. By the end of Year 6, standards are consistently above average in English, mathematics and science. High quality care, guidance and support lead to pupils' outstanding personal development and well-being. Parents are very pleased with both the care and education provided for their children. Children's good progress, the improved learning environment, attractive displays and the school's very positive atmosphere all come in for praise. Parents are particularly impressed with how the new senior leaders steer the school, the good teamwork being developed and the positive changes they have made. Parents commented, 'Impressed with the effectiveness, enthusiasm and energy of the head'

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Grade: 2

and 'The headteacher and his deputy are first class'. Good leadership and management is the key to the school's success. The relatively new headteacher brings infectious enthusiasm and outstanding educational direction to the school. He has quickly gained the confidence and respect of pupils, parents and staff. He is very well supported by the new deputy headteacher and senior leaders. The leadership of English is effective. A strong reading culture contributes to high reading standards and there have been good improvements to the provision for writing. Some subject leadership roles are still developing, particularly in terms of monitoring. Teamwork among the staff is strong and there is a positive commitment to continuous improvement. The school reviews its performance systematically and the findings are used effectively to plan improvements. Recent improvements to assessment and individual target setting and a whole-school focus on writing are having a

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Grade: 2

positive impact on pupils' progress. However, improvements are too recent to have had a full effect on achievement and standards. Governors are committed and supportive and have a good understanding of the school's performance. Teaching and learning are good, with elements of outstanding practice. Teachers have excellent relationships with their pupils. Pupils are enthusiastic and respond exceptionally well to the high expectations of behaviour and learning. The purpose of the lessons is clear and teachers provide specific guidance which enables pupils to review their own learning. As the pupils correctly reported, 'Teachers plan good lessons and make them fun'. Clear instructions, demonstrations and explanations promote learning well. Teachers use checks on progress to match activities and tasks to pupils' abilities and needs. As a result, pupils are challenged well and make good gains in their learning. By the end of Year 2, standards have been above average

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Grade: 2

in reading, writing and mathematics for some time, but too few of the more able pupils attained the higher levels in mathematics and writing last year. Past inconsistencies in assessment and teaching have now been remedied, so these pupils now achieve well. Improving writing is a whole-school priority and more able pupils now make good progress in mathematics in Years 1 and 2 because of sharper assessment and challenging mathematical tasks being matched to their needs. Current work and assessments indicate that more pupils are reaching above-expected standards in writing and mathematics. Teaching assistants are well deployed and make a valuable contribution to learning, particularly for those pupils who need a bit of extra support. Occasionally, there is an over-reliance on worksheets, which restricts pupils' ability to plan and organise their own work. Classrooms are attractive and bright, with high quality displays of

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Grade: 2

artefacts and pupils' work reflecting a varied and exciting curriculum. 4 of 10 Inspection Report: Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School, 21 February 2008 The curriculum promotes good progress for pupils and makes an excellent contribution to their personal development. While there is strong emphasis on reading, writing and mathematics, there are many other strong aspects such as art, music and sport. Good links between subjects add meaning, relevance and enjoyment to pupils' learning. Opportunities for pupils to apply and develop their writing skills are much improved. These successfully include topics which appeal to boys such as a visit to the Coventry City football stadium and the designing of a shirt-making machine in Year 4. Provision for information and communication technology (ICT) has improved considerably and is used to support teaching and learning in a range of areas. A productive partnership with the local secondary school successfully enhances provision in art,

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Grade: 2

drama, ICT and music. The school environment is very attractive and used creatively to support learning. An excellent natural area provides opportunities for reflection and scientific study. An exceptionally good range of clubs, ranging from basketball to cheerleading, visits and visitors enrich pupils' learning. Pupils thoroughly enjoy these aspects of school life. Pastoral care is excellent and there are highly effective systems to assess and track pupils' attainment and progress. Pupils have specific personal learning targets in writing and mathematics so they know what they are working on to improve. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. From the Reception Year onwards, pupils thrive in the school's very positive atmosphere. Pupils are considerate to others and reflect on important issues such as peace and hope and what changes they would like to see for Lent. Pupils

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Grade: 2

thoroughly enjoy school and this is reflected by their high attendance and enthusiastic participation in all activities. Behaviour is exemplary because of the high expectations of all staff and outstanding relationships between adults and pupils. Pupils adopt healthy lifestyles and show an excellent understanding of the importance of healthy eating, exercising regularly and keeping safe. They thrive on the additional responsibilities given. For example, those on the school council have contributed to improving playground facilities and have recently set up a 'healthy tuck shop' in partnership with a supermarket chain. At Clifton, pupils are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education because, by the time they leave, they have good skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT. In addition to these, their personal and social skills are exceptionally well developed. The school's self-evaluation routines are robust and senior leaders have used it well to address

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Grade: 2

some past weaknesses in assessment and writing. The maintaining of above-average standards and recent improvements to assessment, ICT and writing demonstrate a good capacity to improve.

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Grade: 1

Children's overall attainment on entry to the school varies from year to year but is usually typical for their age. Outstanding leadership by the Foundation Stage teacher, high quality teaching and an exciting curriculum enable children to make outstanding progress in all areas of learning. A wide range of stimulating activities is planned both inside and outside the classroom. The teacher and assistants provide an effective blend of adult-led tasks and opportunities for children to explore, be creative and work independently. The school's drive to improve writing begins effectively in Reception and there are very good systems to assess the children's progress. The learning environment and the activities provided are highly stimulating and these inspire and motivate the children. By the end of Reception, children have acquired good levels of knowledge and skills, which prepares them extremely well for the next

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Grade: 1

stage of their learning. 5 of 10 Inspection Report: Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School, 21 February 2008

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Ensure that teaching and planning provide pupils with enough opportunities to plan and organise their own work to help them make even quicker progress. 6 of 10 Inspection Report: Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School, 21 February 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. 7 of 10 Inspection Report: Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School, 21 February 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? 1 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?

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. 8 of 10 Inspection Report: Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School, 21 February 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 1 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? 9 of 10 Inspection Report: Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School, 21 February 2008

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

22 February 2008 Dear Pupils Inspection of Clifton-upon-Dunsmore C of E Primary School, Rugby CV23 0BT Thank you so much for welcoming me into your school and showing me your work. I enjoyed my visit and would like to tell you what I have found. Yours is good school with some outstanding features. These are strengths of the school.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Children in Reception get off to an exceptional start.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You all thoroughly enjoy school and your attendance is outstanding.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The school is an extremely friendly, caring and pleasant place to be.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Behaviour is exemplary in lessons and around the school.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Teaching is good, which is why you are learning so well.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Clear assessments and learning targets are contributing to your good progress.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ By the end of Year 6, standards are consistently above average.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ An outstanding range of learning activities is provided for you.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The learning environment and displays are excellent.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You show an excellent understanding of healthy lifestyles and keeping safe.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The school is extremely well led by your headteacher and he receives very good support from other senior staff. ■ You show considerable care and respect for other pupils and adults.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Staff take excellent care of you and give you outstanding support.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ Your parents are very pleased with the care and education provided.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

There is just one area that the school could work on to make it even better.

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ On occasion, your teachers could give you more opportunities to plan and organise your own work. Finally, thank you once again for all your help. I wish you all the very best for the future. With kind regards Derek Watts Lead inspector 10 of 10 Inspection Report: Clifton-upon-Dunsmore CofE Primary School, 21 February 2008

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Annex B

Inspection of Clifton-upon-Dunsmore C of E Primary School, Rugby CV23 0BT

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Annex B

Thank you so much for welcoming me into your school and showing me your work. I enjoyed my visit and would like to tell you what I have found. Yours is good school with some outstanding features.

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Annex B

• Children in Reception get off to an exceptional start. • You all thoroughly enjoy school and your attendance is outstanding. • The school is an extremely friendly, caring and pleasant place to be. • Behaviour is exemplary in lessons and around the school. • Teaching is good, which is why you are learning so well. • Clear assessments and learning targets are contributing to your good progress. • By the end of Year 6, standards are consistently above average. • An outstanding range of learning activities is provided for you. • The learning environment and displays are excellent. • You show an excellent understanding of healthy lifestyles and keeping safe. • The school is extremely well led by your headteacher and he receives very good support from other senior staff. • You show considerable care and respect for other pupils and adults. • Staff take excellent care of you and give you outstanding support.

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Annex B

• Your parents are very pleased with the care and education provided.

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Annex B

There is just one area that the school could work on to make it even better.

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Annex B

• On occasion, your teachers could give you more opportunities to plan and organise your own work.

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Annex B

Finally, thank you once again for all your help. I wish you all the very best for the future.

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