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September 2009 PROTECT-INSPECTION 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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Mr Stephen Cornforth Headteacher Willington Primary School Chapel Street Willington Crook County Durham DL15 0EQ

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Ofsted monitoring of Grade 3 schools

Thank you for the help which you and your staff gave when I inspected your school on 12 November 2009 and for the information which you provided before and during my visit.

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Ofsted monitoring of Grade 3 schools

As a result of the inspection on 2 and 3 October 2008, the school was asked to ensure that pupils’ work fully matches their capabilities, establish a more diverse and stimulating curriculum to strengthen pupils’ basic skills and knowledge of the wider world, and ensure greater rigour when analysing and monitoring the school’s development at all levels of management.

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Ofsted monitoring of Grade 3 schools

Since the inspection, a new chair of governors has been appointed, one teacher has left and has been replaced by a newly qualified teacher.

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Ofsted monitoring of Grade 3 schools

Having considered all the evidence I am of the opinion that at this time the school has made good progress in making improvements and good progress in demonstrating a better capacity for sustained improvement.

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Ofsted monitoring of Grade 3 schools

The match between pupils’ work and their capabilities has improved. Work is more effectively differentiated to cater for the wide ability range and well above average number of pupils with special educational needs. Pupils are achieving more highly and making better progress in English and mathematics. Attainment is rising, for example, more pupils are gaining Level 4+ and Level 5+ results in Year 5 in their

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September 2009 PROTECT-INSPECTION Page 2 assessments. A revised tracking system is effectively identifying underachievement and making sure pupils receive the support they need.

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Changes to the curriculum are helping to improve pupils’ basic skills. There is a stronger emphasis on developing literacy and numeracy, for example through investigations carried out during science week. Knowledge of the wider world is expanding because links between subjects and with local business are providing relevant contexts for learning. The amount of time given to guided reading has increased and staff have received training in the use of new resources. Other modifications to the curriculum include separate individual programmes for underachieving pupils in Year 3 and Year 4.

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The analysis and monitoring of the school’s development and performance have improved. A yearly cycle of monitoring has been established. Outcomes are mapped well to the school improvement plan and the impact of action taken regularly evaluated. A good range of monitoring activities such as book and work scrutiny is sharply focused on achievement and progress. The purpose of monitoring is understood by managers at all levels and all senior leaders are fully involved.

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Local authority support for the school has made a good impact and helped to drive improvement. For example, literacy and numeracy coordinators have improved their monitoring skills as a result of joint observations with local authority consultants. The School Improvement Partner is working closely with the headteacher to ensure the school continues to move in the right direction.

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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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