Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School

Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School Inspection report

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119186 Unique Reference Number Lancashire Local Authority 326964 Inspection number 3 October 2008 Inspection date Joe Clark 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 Community School category 3–11 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 290 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 County Councillor Miles Parkinson Chair Mrs Anne Duke Headteacher 1 October 2005 Date of previous school inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous funded early education inspection Not previously inspected Date of previous childcare inspection Earl Street School address Clayton-le-Moors Accrington Lancashire BB5 5NH

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3–11 Age group 3 October 2008 Inspection date 326964 Inspection number 01254 232046 Telephone number 01254 301797 Fax number

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3–11 Age group 3 October 2008 Inspection date 326964 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: Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, 3 October 2008

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by one Additional Inspector who evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school and investigated the following issues.

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Introduction

■ Given pupils’ prior attainment, should standards in English at the end of Year 6 be higher, especially for higher attaining pupils. ■ How well does accurate assessment of previous learning inform teachers’ planning.

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Introduction

■ Are pupils more knowledgeable now than at the time of the previous inspection about cultures other than their own. 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, were not justified, and these have been included where appropriate. Evidence was gathered from discussions with senior leaders, teachers, pupils and governors. Parents’ views as reflected in the Ofsted questionnaire were considered. Lessons were sampled. Documentation was scrutinised.

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Description of the school

This is a larger than average school. The vast majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds and speak English as their first language. They come from a fairly even mix of advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds, though with significant pockets of social deprivation. A greater proportion of pupils are entitled to free school meals than is usual. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is well above average. Most children who join the school in the Reception year have benefited from nursery education.

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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: Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, 3 October 2008

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Grade: 1

This is an outstanding school that gives excellent value for money. Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school and appreciate the progress their children make in their academic work as well as in their personal development. As one parent wrote echoing the sentiments of many: ‘Both my children have made excellent progress at this school.’ Although children join the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with levels of attainment that are usually below or well below what is typical for their age, they make at least good progress in all years and leave at the end of Year 6 with standards that are consistently well above average. This represents outstanding achievement. In the 2007 national tests at the end of Year 6 results were significantly above average and achievement was in the top 20% of schools nationally. In both mathematics and science, pupils achieved above average scores at the higher

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Grade: 1

Level 5+ grades. In English, although results overall were above average, results at the higher level were not as high as in mathematics or science. In teachers’ assessments at the end of Year 2 in 2007, results were significantly above average as they had been in the previous two years. Preliminary results for 2008 indicate that standards improved on 2007 at the end of both Year 2 and Year 6. Pupils are currently making outstanding progress and achieving standards generally that are well above average. Pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make tremendous progress against the targets set out for them and receive all the support they need to achieve their full potential. Pupils achieve and learn so well because of the excellent teaching they receive and the outstanding attitudes they bring to their work. Common strengths in teaching include the care that goes into planning lessons that cater for all the different ability groups in the class and

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Grade: 1

the range of activities that teachers provide to interest and motivate pupils. Tracking systems are good and assessment information is used effectively when pupils move from one class to another. Teaching assistants and learning mentors give good support and are well deployed. The outstanding curriculum the school provides effectively supports teachers in finding the best methods to help pupils learn. Enrichment activities, including trips to theatres and museums, as well as regular after-school clubs and activities, such as the Gardening club and Puzzle club, are excellent. The needs of different groups of pupils are effectively planned for with, for example, an after-school ‘Dyspraxia Club’ and a weekly club for high ability and/or gifted pupils. Parents and pupils commented very positively about this aspect of the school’s provision. ‘We are pleased to see children are encouraged to think about wider social issues e.g., recycling,

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Grade: 1

and walking to school’. Provision in sport and music is especially strong and achievement in these subjects is good. By the end of Year 4, all pupils can play the recorder. More able musicians are offered the opportunity to participate in the ‘Wider Opportunities for Pupil Performance in Schools’ scheme. Links with local high schools for sport are very strong and Key Stage 2 pupils are targeted for participation in coaching sessions in several sports. Teaching is able to flourish because pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent. They enjoy coming to school where behaviour is exemplary and attendance is good. Exclusions are practically unheard of. Pupils make an excellent contribution to the school and local community, through for example, the class representative’s group which has been influential in improving the provision of toilet facilities throughout the school. They also act as prefects or house captains

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Grade: 1

or playground friends linked to anti-bullying. Links with local sheltered housing groups and harvest festival parcels to the elderly, keep pupils closely involved in the community, while their support for different charities, including the NSPCC, is promoting high levels of social 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, 3 October 2008 responsibility. One parent observed: ‘I think the school is an asset to its community’. Pupils know their targets both short term and for the end of their key stage and can talk confidently about what they have to do to achieve them. They talk knowledgably about the benefits of healthy eating and taking regular exercise. The early morning gym club is popular and pupils join in enthusiastically with ‘Wake and Shake’ activities. They are very well prepared for the next stage of their education and have a good understanding of cultures other than their own.

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Grade: 1

Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. They say there is no bullying and that everyone gets on well together. This is not surprising given the exceptional high quality care they receive. Links with outside agencies, such as hearing impairment or speech and language, are excellent and safeguarding procedures comply fully with recent legislation. The outstanding leadership and management of the school is the key to its success. The headteacher has overseen a remarkable transition following an earlier period in the school’s history when staffing was unstable and achievement and standards were low. Her drive and determination are infectious. ‘I think the school is improving all the time’ was a typical parental comment. Supported by an able and effective deputy and senior leadership team, the headteacher has ensured that pupils’ potential, both personal and academic, is fully realised.

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Grade: 1

There has been good improvement since the previous inspection and there is excellent capacity for further improvement. The school knows itself well and effective systems of self-evaluation pervade and inform all levels of management. Challenging targets for the end of Key Stage 2 are consistently met. The school’s contribution to community cohesion is good. A link with a local primary school whose pupils are predominantly of Asian heritage is being developed. Further afield, the curriculum provides good links with communities both in Europe and globally, for example, links with Africa through the Bethany project. Governance is good, with effective links between governors and curriculum areas.

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Grade: 1

The EYFS provides an excellent start to children’s formal education. Parents were very clear what it is they like about the EYFS. ‘Communication between myself and my son’s teachers is fantastic’ one parent wrote, ‘all teachers treat children as individuals and know their quirks and idiosyncrasies which is great to see’. Children enter the school with levels of attainment usually below or well below those typical for their age. Language skills and speaking and listening skills are particularly low. Children make excellent progress and leave the EYFS with standards that are broadly in line with national expectations. Outstanding teaching interests, motivates and inspires children to learn. Speaking and listening and personal and social development are given a high focus with suitable encouragement for children to become more independent learners. Rigorous assessment is used to meet the diverse needs of all children, enabling them to achieve exceptionally well.

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Grade: 1

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are given very effective support. Teachers and assistants form an impressive and effective team that promotes not only children’s academic achievement, but their welfare as well. An outstanding curriculum ensures that children get a good balance of teacher led and their own choice of activity. The use of the outdoor play area is outstanding with activities designed to stimulate imagination and consolidate basic skills. Umbrellas are always at hand to ensure the weather does not interrupt learning! The outstanding leadership and management of the EYFS ensure that children make excellent gains in all areas of learning by the time they come to leave. 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, 3 October 2008

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What the school should do to improve further

■ Help more pupils achieve the higher grades in English. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, 3 October 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. 8 of 11 Inspection Report: Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, 3 October 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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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? 2 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: Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, 3 October 2008

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learners?

1 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 2 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 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? 10 of 11 Inspection Report: Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, 3 October 2008

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

6 October 2008 Dear Pupils Inspection of Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, Lancashire, BB5 5NH Thank you so much for the very warm welcome you gave me when I inspected your school recently. I really appreciated the help you gave me and the interesting and exciting things you told me about your school. It was a pleasure to talk to you both in the warmth of your classrooms and when observing you on the playground playing outdoor chess in the biting wind! I think your school is an excellent school. This is because you make such excellent progress whilst you are here, both in your academic work and in your personal development. Here are some of the other things I found out on my inspection. You make such excellent progress because the teaching you receive is outstanding and your attitudes to learning are superb. You know how well you are doing and what you have to do to improve. You are set very high targets and your results at the end of Year 6 are much better

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

than in most other schools. Your achievement is excellent. Not only that, but your behaviour is exemplary, you told me there was no bullying, and you look after each other really well. You enjoy school and are keen to take on extra responsibility such as prefects and house captains. Of course none of these achievements would be possible without the excellent leadership of your headteacher who ensures you do the best you can and who leads all of the teachers and other adults in the school so effectively. There is only one small thing I have asked the school to do and that is to help you gain as many higher grades (Level 5) in English at the end of Year 6, as you usually do in mathematics and science. Thank you once again for all your help and good luck for the future. Yours sincerely Joe Clark Lead inspector 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Clayton-le-Moors Mount Pleasant Primary School, 3 October 2008

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