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Page 1 Suite 22 West Lancs Investment Centre Maple View Skelmersdale WN8 9TG T 08456 40 40 40 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T 01695 566930 Direct F 01695 729320

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Mrs Tricia Adams Headteacher Moresby Primary School Moresby Parks Whitehaven Cumbria CA28 8UX

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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 28 January 2010 and for the information which you provided during my visit.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

There have been two contextual changes since the previous inspection. The number of pupils has reduced by slightly less that a fifth, to 68, and the chair of the governing body has changed.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

As a result of the inspection on 11-12 May 2009, the school was asked to:

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

 improve achievement in mathematics and writing throughout Key Stage 2  take more decisive action in order to meet challenging school targets.

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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 satisfactory 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

This inspection concentrated on writing and mathematics in Key Stage 2. The school has worked hard to tackle the widespread underachievement in this key stage that was evident at the last inspection. Pupils are now doing better. The large majority of pupils are making at least satisfactory progress in these aspects of their learning. However, pockets of underachievement remain across Key Stage 2 where, for around a quarter of pupils, progress in writing and/or mathematics is not yet as good as it should be. This is most marked in Year 3. The school has identified this issue promptly, through its improved tracking of pupils’ progress. Staff have set targets for these pupils and are keeping a close eye on them. Many pupils in Years Page 2 4, 5 and 6 are now making good progress. Attainment has risen and, in the present Year 6, most pupils are working at the level expected for their age, with a few above

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

The main factors that have led to the improvement in pupils’ achievement are:  careful analysis of pupils’ performance to identify gaps in their learning  revision of timetables and the deployment of staff in order to create smaller teaching groups with a narrower range of ability in each group  improved teaching, particularly in lower Key Stage 2, with higher expectations, more focused planning and brisker pace  greater emphasis on the systematic teaching of phonic skills in Key Stage 2  closer monitoring of pupils’ progress towards their individual targets and the involvement of pupils in judging their own learning.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

In the lessons seen, teaching was all at least satisfactory and some was good. Lessons were well focused and purposeful. Pupils were well behaved, industrious and keen to achieve well.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

The school has developed greater rigour in the way it checks how effective it is. Expectations of the progress pupils should make term-by-term are now clear and staff are held responsible for pupils’ achievement. The impact of this is evident in higher attainment and improved progress. The school is now better placed to meet challenging targets.

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Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

Following the previous inspection the local authority (LA) produced a statement of the action it would take to support improvement in the school. This fulfilled requirements. The LA has provided or arranged a good level and range of appropriate support for the school. This has included additional training for staff, support from LA consultants, help to strengthen governance, and regular close checks on the school’s progress. This support from the LA has contributed to the improvements seen in pupils’ achievement, the quality of teaching and the effectiveness of the use of targets to raise attainment.

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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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