Childwall Church of England Primary School

Childwall Church of England Primary School Inspection report

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104625 Unique Reference Number Liverpool Local Authority 324080 Inspection number 8 January 2009 Inspection date Clare Henderson Reporting inspector

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This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. The registered childcare, managed by the governing body, was inspected under section 49 of the Childcare Act 2006.

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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 342 School (total) 0 Government funded early education provision for children aged 3 to the end of the EYFS 0 Childcare provision for children aged 0 to 3 years The governing body Appropriate authority Rev Gary Renison Chair Mrs Diane Shaw Headteacher 25 January 2006 Date of previous school inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous funded early education inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous childcare inspection Woolton Road School address Liverpool Merseyside L16 0JD 0151 7221553 Telephone number

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4–11 Age group 8 January 2009 Inspection date 324080 Inspection number 0151 7224989 Fax number

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4–11 Age group 8 January 2009 Inspection date 324080 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. 3 of 11 Inspection Report: Childwall Church of England Primary School, 8 January 2009

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by two Additional Inspectors. The inspectors evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school and investigated the following issues: the effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the progress of pupils in Years 1 to 6, and the quality of leadership and management within the school. Evidence was collected from the observation of lessons, the scrutiny of pupils' work and records of their progress, and examination of other documentation including completed parents' questionnaires. Discussions were held with pupils, staff and representatives of the governing body. Other aspects of the school's work were not investigated in detail, but the inspectors found no evidence to suggest that the school's assessments, as given in its self-evaluation, were not justified, and these have been included where appropriate in the report.

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Description of the school

This is a larger than average school. The majority of pupils come from relatively advantaged backgrounds, as seen in the below average proportion of pupils entitled to free school meals. Although a below average percentage of pupils have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the number with a statement of special educational need is broadly average. Almost all pupils speak English as their first language and a few are from minority ethnic groups. None of these pupils is at an early stage of learning to speak English. Children come to the EYFS Reception classes from 31 different local nursery settings. After School (UK) Ltd provides wrap around care, which did not form part of this inspection. The school has gained a number of awards in recognition of its work. These include Healthy Schools Award, Activemark, Inclusion Charter Mark and Dyslexia Friendly, Levels 1 and 2 Awards.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 4 of 11 Inspection Report: Childwall Church of England Primary School, 8 January 2009

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Grade: 1

This is an outstanding school which truly lives out its motto, 'And the child grew'. The vast majority of parents agree and a typical comment is, 'Staff go beyond their duties in showing care, commitment and a desire to see every child reach their full potential.' Pivotal to this success is the fact that the headteacher and deputy headteacher provide outstanding leadership and management, and governors and all staff are empowered to contribute effectively. Because of this, all groups of pupils make outstanding progress in their academic and personal development. Achievement is outstanding. Pupils start Year 1 with skills well above those typically expected, keen to embrace all the school has to offer. All pupils, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those whose first language is not English, make outstanding progress in each year group. This is because staff pay meticulous attention, through the use of rigorous

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Grade: 1

assessment and tracking systems, to the progress each pupil makes. They constantly review each pupil's progress and address any identified gaps in learning with programmes of work set to meet their needs exceptionally well. Consequently, when pupils leave Year 6, standards are significantly well above average in English, mathematics and science. The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Teachers deliver their lessons with the learning styles of each pupil in mind. For instance, in a Year 5 English lesson, drama, information and communication technology (ICT), and an excellent use of good humour, had all pupils on the edge of their seats in their eagerness to write and record about characters they had created in their stories. This brought learning to life in a meaningful and memorable way. Because lessons are lively and challenging, all pupils make rapid progress whilst thoroughly enjoying

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Grade: 1

their learning. Highly skilled support assistants enable those pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to make the same outstanding progress as their peers. Pupils' personal development, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, is outstanding. They are excellent ambassadors for the school and are well motivated to take part in all the activities on offer. For instance, they eagerly participate in the early morning 'rise and shine' sessions and speak with pride of being part of a production of Joseph. This enjoyment of school is reflected in outstanding behaviour and well above average attendance. Pupils say they feel safe and know there is someone to talk to if they have a problem. They are very aware of the need to lead a healthy lifestyle and understand the reasons why it is important to have a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. They take their responsibilities very seriously.

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Grade: 1

For example, as school councillors they transfer their knowledge of being a good citizen, promoting healthy lifestyles or keeping safe, into action. Pupils have an excellent understanding of cultural differences because the school celebrates the diversity of its pupils' backgrounds. They show an extremely strong awareness of the needs of others, and of wider world issues, in their support for others, for example, in raising funds for those less fortunate than themselves. Such roles are one part of the excellent preparation of pupils for the next stage of their education. The outstanding curriculum encourages pupils to be imaginative in their work and gives them maximum opportunity to reach the highest standards in all subjects. Excellent use is made of ICT as reinforcement for new learning and as a tool for pupils' personal research. Pupils' achievement in the arts, sports and music is equally impressive. They benefit from a wide range

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Grade: 1

of extra-curricular activities. These do much to raise confidence and general well-being amongst 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Childwall Church of England Primary School, 8 January 2009 pupils. Community cohesion is central to learning within the school. Staff and pupils have established a wide range of partnerships both locally and internationally. For example, linking schools through email and visits by staff to schools in Nigeria or giving pupils who have lived abroad the chance to share their experiences with their teachers and classmates. Such opportunities extend the global knowledge and understanding of all members of the school community extremely effectively. Care, guidance and support are outstanding. Making sure that every pupil is nurtured in the excellent caring and supportive environment is never off the school's agenda. For example, the sensory room is used extremely effectively to meet the specific additional needs of pupils

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Grade: 1

enabling them to feel safe and secure. Safeguarding arrangements are very strong and support is at a high level for all pupils and, in particular, for those vulnerable in terms of their emotional needs. A particularly excellent feature is the quality of marking, in which targets are set for pupils to know clearly their next steps in learning. Pupils commented on this and said that they found them extremely helpful. Leadership and management are outstanding. All staff form a dynamic team fully committed to raising standards, treating each pupil with dignity and respect and enabling all to reach their potential. The school has a very clear knowledge of its strengths and areas for development and is never complacent, with everyone involved in constantly trying to find ways to improve. Outstanding partnerships with local schools and within the community means ideas and expertise are shared for the benefit of pupils. Governance is outstanding. Governors are at the heart of

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Grade: 1

all that the school does and provide excellent challenge and support. The school has made outstanding progress since the last inspection, provides excellent value for money and is extremely well placed to improve further.

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Grade: 1

Children enter Reception from a wide range of pre-school settings with skills that are broadly typical for their age. However, linking letters to sounds and writing skills are below those typically expected. Because of the excellent care staff take of each child's individual needs, they all settle quickly and make rapid progress. Parents comment on this, saying, 'I can see his confidence growing by the weeks.' Children make excellent progress in all areas so that, by the time they leave the EYFS, their skills are well above those expected. Children's personal development and well-being are outstanding. Teachers and teaching assistants make learning fun: children are helped to learn in an atmosphere of sheer enjoyment. A wide range of resources and carefully planned themes means that all children can relate to, and have a first-hand input into, what they are being taught. The school's well thought out plans to enhance the outdoor

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Grade: 1

areas are well underway and will ensure that the quality of outdoor spaces matches the excellence of those indoors. Regular meetings are held with parents to celebrate the milestones children achieve in their first year at school. This means that parents can quickly see how well their children are doing and how partnerships with home can be further developed. The quality of welfare provided for children is outstanding. An excellent range of activities outside the school environment and bringing in specialist visitors adds effectively to children's learning experiences. The quality of leadership and management is outstanding. Key strengths promoted very effectively by the manager of the EYFS are the use of observation for early identification of need and the planning of an enriching and imaginative curriculum. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Childwall Church of England Primary School, 8 January 2009

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What the school should do to improve further

■ The school has an extremely clear view of how it can continue to develop and there are no further areas for improvement that it has not already identified in its school improvement plan. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Childwall Church of England Primary School, 8 January 2009 .

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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. 8 of 11 Inspection Report: Childwall Church of England Primary School, 8 January 2009

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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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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 capacity to make any necessary improvements

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EYFS?

1 How well do children in the EYFS achieve? How good are the overall personal development and well-being of the children in the EYFS? 1 How effectively are children in the EYFS helped to learn and develop? 1 How effectively is the welfare of children in the EYFS promoted? 1 How effectively is provision in the EYFS led and managed?

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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/or disabilities make progress

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Achievement and standards

1 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: Childwall Church of England Primary School, 8 January 2009

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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 The extent to which 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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learners' needs?

How well do the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of learners? 1 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?

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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 1 How well equality of opportunity is promoted and discrimination eliminated 1 How well does the school contribute to community cohesion? 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: Childwall Church of England Primary School, 8 January 2009

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

It was a pleasure to inspect your school. You were all very friendly and helpful and we enjoyed finding out from you how much you enjoy learning. You told us that you think your school is excellent. We are sure that you will be pleased to know that we agree with you: you do have an outstanding school. You are right to be proud of your school. Children in Reception get an excellent start and have so many opportunities to learn with each other through play. You continue to make outstanding progress in all other years and, by the time you leave at the end of Year 6, you reach well above average standards in all your subjects. This is because the teaching you receive is outstanding and you work very hard. Your behaviour is excellent and you look after each other so well. Members of the school council work hard to find out what you think. As a result, this has made your school even better. You particularly like the wide range of extra-curricular events and take a full part in arts, sports and

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

music activities. Your teachers and teaching assistants take very good care of you. They make sure that everyone feels safe and secure. They also give you a lot of advice about how you can improve your work. Your headteacher and all your teachers know exactly how to make sure that your school continues to improve. Please continue to work hard and keep helping your teachers to make sure Childwall School stays an outstanding place in which to learn. We send you our best wishes for the future. 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Childwall Church of England Primary School, 8 January 2009

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