Setting

PROTECT-INSPECTION Page 1 10 February 2010

p.1

Mrs C Moorcroft Headteacher Grassmoor Primary School North Wingfield Road Grassmoor Derbyshire S42 5EP

p.1

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 9 February 2010 and for the information which you provided during my visit .

p.1

Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

As a result of the inspection on 14–15 September 2009, the school was asked to:

p.1

Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

 strengthen procedures to safeguard pupils with regard to completeness of staff recruitment and vetting records in the single central record, and communicating to parents when there are changes in school arrangements and when activities are cancelled at short notice  raise standards in mathematics at Key Stage 2; particularly in pupils using and applying mathematical knowledge and skills  improve the quality of teaching to consistently good to ensure that standards rise, especially in Key Stage 1 and the Early Years Foundation Stage  ensure that the leadership’s team’s analysis of progress tracking information fully identifies trends and patterns.

p.1

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.

p.1

Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

The single central record is now a complete inventory of required information that fully meets all statutory requirements. The minor omissions at the time of the last inspection were promptly added. With regard to the cancellation of an after-school activity without adequate notice to parents, the existing school policy on notification to parents has been revisited and expectations reinforced with all teaching and non- teaching staff. Revised and strengthened procedures make a repetition of such an oversight highly unlikely. The school has the required policies relating to the safeguarding of children, which are kept under close review by school leaders and Serco Inspections Boundary House 2 Wythall Green Way Birmingham B47 6LW T 08456 40 40 40 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk Direct T 0300 123 1231 PROTECT-INSPECTION Page 2 governors. An experienced, senior member of staff fulfils the role of child protection

p.1

Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

officer diligently, supported well by the headteacher and local authority. All staff have thorough induction and regular additional safeguarding training. Risk assessment arrangements are secure for trips and activities.

p.2

Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

The school has made good progress in raising standards in mathematics, particularly in terms of using and applying skills through investigation and problem-solving. Most teaching of mathematics seen on the visit was good. Development work by curriculum teams has ensured that good practice in planning and teaching is being shared across the school. Reliable school assessment information predicts a significant rise in the summer 2010 test results in both Year 2 and Year 6. Performance is on track to be close to the national average. Given pupils’ relatively low starting points on entry to the school, this represents stronger progress that is also mirrored in other year groups.

p.2

Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

Teaching and learning across the school have many good features. Planning is thorough, with work generally well matched to pupils’ abilities. Relationships are excellent and pupils know what they are meant to learn in each lesson. Although there is much good practice in assessment practice, the use of feedback within lessons and the quality of self- and peer-assessment remains inconsistent, and a focus for further development.

p.2

Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

The tracking of pupils’ progress is good for individuals and groups of pupils, and results in additional support being provided for those at risk of underachieving. School analysis, including information to governors, is now presented in a more accessible form and clearly identifies trends, patterns and strategies for improvement.

p.2

Ofsted monitoring of schools with a notice to improve

The local authority action plan and the support given, particularly by the school improvement partner, have been effective in helping the school to successfully address the areas for improvement arising from the inspection.

p.2

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.

p.2