Setting

Mrs J Ludlow The Headteacher Kingsthorne Primary School Cranbourne Road Kingstanding Birmingham West Midlands B44 0BX

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

Thank you for the help which you and your staff gave when I inspected your school on 19 May 2009, for the time you gave to our phone discussions, and for the information which you provided before and during my visit.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

Since the last inspection two teachers who taught classes in Years 3 and 4 have left the school. Two overseas trained teachers have been recruited on a temporary basis to teach one of the Years 3 and 4 classes and a class in Year 5.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

As a result of the inspection on 7 and 8 October 2008, the school was asked: to raise standards and achievement in mathematics at Key Stage 2; ensure teaching is consistently good and that accurate assessment underpins target setting; enable senior leaders to keep a close check on pupils’ progress, particularly different sets and groups; and, establish a robust action plan for raising standards and achievement in mathematics.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

Having considered all the evidence, I am of the opinion that at this time the school is making good progress in addressing the issues for improvement and in raising the pupils’ achievement.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

While standards in mathematics are slowly rising, they remain too low, with just over half the pupils working at levels below those expected for their age. Rates of progress, however, are increasing at a faster pace. Around two thirds of the pupils are making at least satisfactory progress and about a third of these are making good progress. The school has set challenging targets for raising pupils’ attainment, and expects to achieve these by the end of the summer term 2009. For example, in mathematics, 67% of the Year 6 pupils are on track to reach or exceed the level expected for their age, and also exceed the school’s floor target of 65%. Should this be achieved, this would represent a 12% rise from the previous year. However, the Tribal Group 1-4 Portland Square Bristol BS2 8RR T 0845 123 6001 F 0845 123 6002 T 08456 40 40 40 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Page 2 school recognises that raising standards in mathematics and achievement overall

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

remain key priorities for all year groups.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

The quality of teaching has improved and all mathematics lessons are consistently satisfactory or better. The school’s most recent monitoring of lessons shows that over half were judged good, with around 40% judged satisfactory. Teachers’ planning has improved, particularly to provide greater challenge for the more able pupils. Some fragility in teaching remains however, for example when planning does not take enough account of the gaps in pupils’ knowledge and understanding of number bonds and number patterns.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

Assessment is used increasingly effectively to set numeracy targets for individuals and groups of pupils. Similarly teachers’ marking is consistent and frequently shows pupils what they need to do next in order to move to the next level in their learning. The accuracy of teachers’ assessments is secure and has been externally validated by the local authority. Pupils are becoming more involved in assessing their own learning and using targets to raise their achievement levels.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

There is a robust action plan for raising standards in mathematics. This is used effectively by the senior leadership team to track pupils’ progress and rigorously monitor and evaluate the impact of the school’s actions in raising pupils’ achievement. The senior leadership team is driving improvements at a good pace, and subject leadership in mathematics is good. The headteacher, deputy headteacher and phase leaders have established rigorous and robust systems for checking the quality of teaching and learning, including coaching and training for all teachers to improve the quality of their work. This has already had a positive impact in eliminating significant weaknesses in teaching reported at the previous inspection.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

The local authority is meeting the commitments set out in its statement of action and action plan. A good range and quality of support has been provided to raise pupils’ attainment in mathematics and increase rates of progress.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

The school is well placed to improve further. There is a good team spirit, based on challenge and support. Morale is high and this reflects well in the positive determination of all staff to ensure a better quality of education for all pupils.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

I hope that you have found the visit helpful in promoting improvement in your school. This letter will be posted on the Ofsted website.

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