Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, Brooms

Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School Inspection report

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114253 Unique Reference Number Durham Local Authority 325976 Inspection number 4–5 June 2009 Inspection dates Gianna Ulyatt 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 0 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 Mr Tom Clark Chair Mrs Sharon Fenwick Headteacher 30 March 2006 Date of previous school inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous funded early education inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous childcare inspection St Ives Road School address Leadgate Consett County Durham DH8 7SN 01207 503979 Telephone number

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4–11 Age group 4–5 June 2009 Inspection dates 325976 Inspection number 01207 503979 Fax number

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4–11 Age group 4–5 June 2009 Inspection dates 325976 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 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, 4–5 June 2009

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by an additional inspector.

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Description of the school

The school is smaller than most schools and serves pupils from the local parish and village. The socio-economic factors are below average. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is broadly average. The percentage of pupils from minority ethnic groups is low and none are at an early stage of speaking English. Almost half the pupils have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage join the school from a number of local nurseries. These children receive full-time provision during their Reception Year in the same class as Year 1 pupils.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 4 of 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, 4–5 June 2009

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Grade: 2

This is a good school. Strong Christian values permeate all aspects of school life and are evident in the way pupils are polite, well mannered and compassionate. Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils enjoy their education and discuss their work with enthusiasm. They clearly recognise that the school is fully inclusive. One pupil commented that, ‘This school is for everyone.’ Parents praise all aspects of the school’s work and the view of many parents is reflected in the comments, ‘I have nothing but praise for the school. My child greatly enjoys attending, loves the teachers and has become a confident and intelligent young person.’ Standards at the end of Year 6 are average, representing good achievement from a below average standard on entry to Year 1. Progress in Key Stage 1 is satisfactory. Standards in mathematics at the end of Key Stage 1 are broadly average. In reading and writing they are below average. In Key Stage 2, progress in reading and writing is better than in mathematics.

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Grade: 2

In English, newly introduced teaching methods and rigorous assessment help pupils learn effectively, while in mathematics pupils’ progress is somewhat slower because assessment procedures are not as firmly established. Pupils who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities achieve well. Pupils of above average ability reach their targets. Teaching and learning are good. Relationships at all levels are excellent, so pupils collaborate well with their classmates. Lessons challenge pupils’ thinking skills and motivate them well. In the best lessons, the range of activities offered are interesting and varied and there is a strong emphasis on speaking and listening. The satisfactory curriculum gives priority to literacy and numeracy. Recent improvements include opportunities for pupils to use their writing skills across different subjects. Pupils are well cared for. Their progress is tracked so those who are

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Grade: 2

not achieving as well as expected are quickly identified and given extra support. Pupils who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities are fully included and supported well to help them achieve. Leadership and management are good. The headteacher and senior leaders demonstrate their determination to improve the quality of education and care for pupils through rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the work of the school. Subject leadership has improved and all are involved in school development. As a result, new initiatives are becoming established in the school. Governors have a good understanding of the work of the school and provide a good level of support and challenge. Community cohesion is good. Global and local links are well developed, links are not quite so good with regard to improving pupils’ understanding of the diversity of British society. Issues identified in the previous inspection have been tackled well

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Grade: 2

and therefore the capacity to improve is good. The school provides good value for money.

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Grade: 2

The effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage is good and provision meets the needs of all children. When children enter the Reception class their skills and abilities are well below those typical for their age, particularly in their personal development, early literacy skills and mathematical understanding. They learn and play alongside older children, consequently they progress well in their speaking and listening skills and independence. By the end of Reception, standards in all areas of learning are below average. Teaching is generally good and focuses well on key skills. The introduction of a structured programme in teaching letters and sounds 5 of 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, 4–5 June 2009 has a positive impact on improving early reading and writing skills. Adults interact sensitively and take learning forward well, particularly during adult-led activity. They offer children good

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Grade: 2

support and relationships are very good. Consequently, children behave well and are clear about right and wrong. The balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities is planned and is underpinned by regular assessment based on observation. Children are well cared for and learn in a happy and safe learning environment. The spacious area indoors is used to offer a range of activities through which children pursue independent learning. However, these activities do not always have a clear focus which means some learning opportunities are missed. Children’s welfare is well promoted. Children make several visits to the school before entry and this helps them settle quickly. Leadership of the Early Years Foundation Stage is good and team work is strong. All are clear about what is done well and what needs to improve. For example, the provision of outdoor learning is quite new, but is developing well.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Raise standards in reading and writing in Key Stage 1.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Improve the rate of progress in mathematics in Key Stage 2.

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Provide more opportunities for pupils to gain a better understanding of the diversity of British society.

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Grade: 2

Standards at the end of Year 6 are average and have improved since the last inspection. Achievement over time is good. On entry to Year 1, standards are below average. National assessment results in 2008 for Year 2 pupils were below average in reading and writing and average in mathematics. Current progress in Key Stage 1 is satisfactory. National data show that in the 2008 tests for Year 6 pupils, standards in English, mathematics and science were average. This represents good achievement as almost 40% of pupils in this cohort had learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Data for the current Year 6 cohort indicate a similar rate of progress to that of pupils in 2008. Progress overall in Key Stage 2 is good. Progress in reading and writing is better than in mathematics. This is because the school has introduced more rigorous tracking systems linked to assessment in English. Pupils who have learning difficulties

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Grade: 2

and/or disabilities make good progress. Boys and girls achieve equally well.

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Grade: 2

Pupils’ personal development, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, is good. By the time they leave the school, pupils are compassionate, mature and confident individuals. Pupils’ behaviour is excellent. They have a firm grasp of right and wrong because the school rules are consistently applied. Pupils show good respect for the natural environment and are proud of their school, the grounds and wild areas. The involvement of the school council in school improvements has resulted in the refurbishment of infant toilets and the bouncy yard and winding pathways outdoors. The council organises voting systems so that pupils can select the charities they wish to support. Attendance is average and pupils clearly like coming to school. They particularly enjoy learning new ideas and discussing these with their classmates. Pupils have a good understand of the importance of a healthy diet and are proud of the Healthy

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Grade: 2

Award the school has achieved. They enjoy a range of sporting activities in school and beyond the school day. They feel very safe in school and trained peer mediators are always there to 6 of 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, 4–5 June 2009 sort out problems should they occur. No one is left out because playground buddies are always on hand. They feel well prepared and confident about going to the next school and remark, ‘We have good memories to take with us.’

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Grade: 2

Teaching and learning are good overall, with the quality of teaching in lessons seen ranging from satisfactory to outstanding. Teachers share learning objectives clearly and make sure pupils know what they are expected to learn. Information and communication technology (ICT) is used effectively to make new learning interesting and meaningful. The excellent relationships in lessons motivate pupils to concentrate well and try their best. They discuss sensibly with partners and value the views of their peers. Teachers’ knowledge of pupils’ attainment is improving and in the best lessons they use their good subject knowledge effectively to take full account of pupils’ individual needs to provide challenging tasks. They question pupils well to check their understanding. The pace of lessons is good and teachers use a good range of strategies to engage pupils in their learning. Good support from experienced assistants is given

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Grade: 2

to all pupils, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This enables them to remain on task and make good progress. Teachers make sure that pupils are fully aware of the smaller steps they need to take to improve their writing. However, in mathematics this good practice is inconsistently applied. In Key Stage 1, teachers challenge pupils better in mathematics than in reading and writing.

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Grade: 3

The curriculum is satisfactory and meets statutory requirements. Priority is given to literacy and numeracy and activities for pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are effectively planned so that the needs of individuals are well met. A particular strength in the curriculum is the way pupils are given good opportunities to use their writing skills across different subjects. Pupils speak highly of this method because they say it makes learning fun and they can easily make meaningful links across subjects. In addition, through the topics chosen, pupils have the chance to write in different genres. The strong emphasis on developing pupils’ social understanding results in pupils valuing each other and having good levels of respect for one another. The school provides lessons in French which pupils thoroughly enjoy. Pupils’ learning is enriched through a range of extra curricular clubs, including football, cooking, art and craft

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Grade: 2

The school provides good care, support and guidance for its pupils. The welcoming ethos of the school reflects its Christian aims of valuing individuals and developing the whole child. All staff show high levels of care and concern for pupils’ welfare. Excellent relationships between staff and pupils ensure that all feel safe and happy. In addition, pupils have opportunities to express their concerns and worries in confidence to trained staff. Pupils say they feel safe and well cared for in school and this view is also reflected by parents. Good links with external agencies ensure pupils receive the right provision. Procedures to safeguard children with routines 7 of 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, 4–5 June 2009 for child protection and health and safety are fully in place. Teachers mark pupils’ work regularly and in their writing pupils are clear about how they can improve. In mathematics, academic

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Grade: 2

guidance is less clear. The school has recently introduced systems for tracking pupils that are linked to assessment. This is developing well in English and is having a good impact on the rate of progress current cohorts are making. In mathematics the procedures have just begun and it is too early to see evidence of their effectiveness.

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Grade: 2

Leadership and management are good. All are strongly focused on raising pupils’ achievement, particularly in the basic skills. Teamwork and communication among staff are strong and all collaborate effectively for the benefit of all pupils. Self-evaluation is detailed and focuses on the right areas for improvement. Subject leadership has improved since the last inspection. All are involved in monitoring and evaluating their subjects through checking planning and pupils’ work, analysing data and tracking pupils’ progress. They contribute effectively to whole school planning for improvement. Governors are knowledgeable, loyal and supportive of the school. They undertake their role very seriously and hold the school to account. They are closely involved in promoting the strategic direction of the school. The school’s contribution to community cohesion is good. There are good links with the local community, including the local church

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Grade: 2

and visits to other places of worship. There are also very effective partnerships with the nearby university and other local primary and secondary schools. International links with schools in France, through video conferencing, are well established. However, links to improve pupils’ understanding the diversity of British society are not particularly well established. 8 of 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, 4–5 June 2009 .

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Grade: 2

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 9 of 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, 4–5 June 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? 2 The capacity to make any necessary improvements

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EYFS?

2 How well do children in the EYFS achieve? How good are the overall personal development and well-being of the children in the EYFS? 2 How effectively are children in the EYFS helped to learn and develop? 2 How effectively is the welfare of children in the EYFS promoted? 2 How effectively is provision in the EYFS led and managed?

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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/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. 10 of 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, 4–5 June 2009

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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 The extent to which learners enjoy their education 3 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

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learners' needs?

How well do the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of learners? 2 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 2 How effectively leaders and managers use challenging targets to raise standards 2 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation 2 How well equality of opportunity is promoted and discrimination eliminated 2 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? 11 of 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, 4–5 June 2009

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

5 June 2009 Dear Pupils Inspection of Our Lady and St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School, Brooms, Durham, DH8 7SN I had a very enjoyable time in your school. You are very welcoming and friendly. It is good to see you growing up into confident and compassionate young people. I particularly liked the way you welcome everyone into your school so no one is left out. I was impressed with your enthusiasm for Shakespeare’s plays. You clearly enjoy them. I know most of you work very hard and it is good to see some of you getting high test results. However, in mathematics in Key Stage 2 the school results are not as good as they are in reading and writing. In Key Stage 1, it is the reverse with standards in mathematics being better than they are in reading and writing. I have asked the school to look carefully at this. You therefore have a very important part to play. You must work even harder, so your parents and teachers

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

can be really proud of you. I was pleased to see how exceptionally well behaved you are in your lessons and around the school. I know you feel safe and secure when you are in school. The school knows you very well and tries to match your work to your individual ability. I know your teachers work very hard to provide interesting work for you. You are particular good at expressing your ideas and you clearly enjoy sharing these with your classmates. You support charities well and have good links with the church, local schools and schools in France. I have asked the school to help you find out more about our diverse British society. Thank you again for being so helpful and don’t forget, the harder you work, the more choices you will have about your future life opportunities. Yours sincerely Gianna Ulyatt Lead inspector 12 of 12 Inspection Report: Our Lady and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School,

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