Setting

Alexandra House 33 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 08456 404045 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Mr M Roberts Headteacher Limehurst Junior Infant and Nursery School White Bank Road Oldham Lancashire OL8 3JQ

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Ofsted survey inspection programme – Science

Thank you for your hospitality and co-operation, and that of your staff, during my visit on 9 June 2008 to look at work in science.

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Ofsted survey inspection programme – Science

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text. All feedback letters will be published on the Ofsted website at the end of each half-term.

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Ofsted survey inspection programme – Science

The evidence used to inform the judgements made included analysis of data, interviews with staff and pupils, scrutiny of relevant documentation, pupils’ work and observation of lessons.

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Ofsted survey inspection programme – Science

The overall effectiveness of science was judged to be good.

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Achievement and standards

Achievement is good and standards are above average.

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Achievement and standards

 For two out of the last three years the proportions of pupil achieving at least the expected level at Key Stage 2 have been above the national average.  At Key Stage 2, in 2007 the proportion of pupils achieving level 5 was much higher than the national average.  Pupils make good progress in science. They generally achieve better than the levels they are predicted to attain given their starting points and circumstances.  In lessons pupils are attentive and keen to learn.  Behaviour observed in lessons was very good.

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Quality of teaching and learning of science

 Teachers have good relationships with their pupils and give plenty of encouragement.  Lessons are very well planned and structured.  Effective use is made of learning objectives which are shared with pupils.  Classroom management is highly effective.  Lessons include a good range of activities and use a variety of resources which enhance learning.  Some good use is made of ICT in teaching and learning.  Paired work and group work provide opportunities for personal development as pupils develop skills in cooperative working. This is particularly well managed to ensure that all contribute and participate effectively.  Good use is made of practical and experimental work.  Effective regular assessments are used to monitor progress against targets.  In the Foundation Stage pupils are provided with a good range of opportunities, both adult led and child initiated, which contribute well to their knowledge and understanding of the world.

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Quality of the curriculum

 Good use is made of enhancement activities such as visits to enrich learning experiences and to broaden pupils’ understanding.  Curriculum planning includes science on a daily basis in Key Stage 2 which gives opportunities for reinforcement and consolidation and contributes well to pupils’ good achievement.  The science curriculum includes plenty of practical and experimental work and makes good use of ICT to enhance learning.  There are some good opportunities for pupils’ personal development through science.

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Leadership and management of science

Leadership and management of science are good.

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Leadership and management of science

 Leadership and management have a clear focus on raising standards.  A thorough analysis of test results and assessment data is carried out and used to plan improvements.  Day to day management of science is effective.  The school tracking system has been extended to include science to ensure that underachievement is identified at an early stage.  The leadership by the science coordinator is very good.  The monitoring of teachers’ planning and work scrutiny has been used to identify strengths and areas for development in science.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, included:

 seeking additional opportunities for more challenging investigative work which will encourage independent learning in science  developing further support strategies for less able pupils to raise their achievement further.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, included:

I hope these observations are useful as you continue to develop science in the school.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, included:

As I explained in my previous letter, a copy of this letter will be sent to your local authority and will be published on the Ofsted website. It will also be available to the team for your next institutional inspection.

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