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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

Thank you for your hospitality and co-operation, and that of your staff, during my visit on 15 January 2009 to look at the impact of the National Strategies on raising standards and narrowing the attainment gap.

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

As outlined in my initial letter, the visit focused on the work of the National Strategies in improving outcomes for children and young people. The visit focused particularly on the school’s view of the impact of the National Strategies and how this is evaluated.

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

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 schools 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 programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

The evidence used to inform the outcomes of the visit includes observations of three parts of lessons and discussions with the headteacher, senior staff, teachers, inclusion mangers and a group of pupils. Relevant documentation and data were analysed.

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

Your view is that the National Strategy is assisting your new school in moving to success. The school faces significant challenges serving an area of significant socio-economic deprivation, exacerbated by the recent closure of retail and distribution outlets. In close liaison with the local authority you have adapted the strategies to meet the needs of your school and community. Most specifically these strategies are: interventions to improve attitudes to learning, behaviour and attendance through the Social and emotional aspects of learning project; the intensive support programme across the school; assessment for learning and the teaching of phonics. The impact of these interventions is evident in the dramatic fall in exclusion rates and the development of a positive climate for learning. Alexandra House 33 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 08456 404045 F 020 7421 6855 www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

06 February 2009 Mr Mulkeen Headteacher Sandbrook Community Primary School Hartley Lane Rochdale Lancashire OL11 2LR The focus on the teaching of phonics throughout the school is closing the gap on pupils’ reading abilities and leading to more rapid progress being made, particularly in Key Stage 2.

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

You have ensured that the Early Years Foundation Stage is fully involved with all initiatives. This is leading to a greater number of pupils attaining closer to the age related expectation as they enter Year 1.

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

You consider that the National Strategy is having a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning. This was confirmed in lesson observations where pupils extended their speaking and listening skills using exemplar materials from the National Literacy Strategy. However, you recognise that opportunities for pupils to develop their work with talk partners requires further work. Lesson planning is closely linked to the framework guidance. Although this guidance is adapted to the particular needs and interests of your pupils you agree that planning still needs to uniformly provide opportunities for differentiation.

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

The increasing numbers of pupils requiring additional support in learning English are being well served with your inclusion team. Good quality resources and small group teaching in bright and attractive areas ensure that these pupils are rapidly assimilated into the life of your school.

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

Although standards at the end of Key Stage 1 remain well below the national average, your tracking system indicates that this is an improving picture. Whilst 2008 results exceeded statutory targets and represent an improvement since the school was opened in 2006, performance at the end of Key Stage 2 is still well below the local authority and national results.

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

Ofsted gathers information on the immediate and longer-term impact of survey inspections, both on the institutions themselves, and with a view to improving its own processes. To this end, I should be grateful if you would complete the attached questionnaire and return it within the next ten days. We have also just sent a copy of the questionnaire by email. Please return your completed questionnaire to either the email or postal address on the form, not to me. We may also contact some schools by telephone after several months in order for us to gain a picture of longer-term impact. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

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Ofsted survey programme visit - National Strategies survey 2008-09

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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