Setting

Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 0300 123 1231 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Miss Y Griffin Headteacher St. Raphael’s Catholic Primary School Huddersfield Road Millbrook Stalybridge SK15 3JL

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social, and health education (PSHE)

Thank you for your hospitality and cooperation, and that of the staff and pupils, during my visit on 18 and 19 May 2010 to look at work in PSHE.

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social, and health education (PSHE)

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 institutions will not be identified in the main text.

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social, and health education (PSHE)

The evidence used to inform the judgements included interviews with staff and pupils, scrutiny of relevant documentation, analysis of pupils’ work and observation of four lessons and other activities.

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social, and health education (PSHE)

The overall effectiveness of PSHE is good.

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Achievement in PSHE

 Pupils have a good understanding about how to stay safe and healthy.  Pupils have an age-appropriate understanding about the dangers of drugs, such as alcohol and smoking, as well as sex and relationships.  Pupils’ personal and social development are excellent. In one of the outstanding lessons seen, pupils learnt how to manage anger in a positive way. In another, the older pupils developed empathy with people who are visually impaired, partially sighted or blind.  Pupils’ good social skills are exemplified by the way in which they listen to others and by their concern for others.  As a result of the Healthy School award, pupils have a good understanding of the importance of eating healthily and physical exercise.  Pupils have sound knowledge about the world of work.

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Quality of teaching of PSHE

The quality of teaching of PSHE is outstanding.

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Quality of teaching of PSHE

 Outstanding features were seen in most of the lessons observed. These included the quality of the relationships between staff and pupils, the class discussions and the interesting tasks which closely matched pupils’ needs.  Teachers ensure that pupils’ personal and social development is nurtured through assemblies which are enjoyed by pupils of all ages, and their parents and carers.  In an outstanding activity seen, pupils were able to reflect on their day in a calm and respectful way. Their response was exceptional and they are clearly committed to the school’s mission statement.  Teachers use assessment information well to target provision, including for vulnerable pupils.  Reports to parents do not tell them about their children’s achievements and progress in all strands of the subject.

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Quality of the curriculum in PSHE

The quality of the PSHE curriculum is good.

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Quality of the curriculum in PSHE

 Provision for the social and emotional aspects of pupils’ learning is good because it is well embedded in the curriculum for all year groups, and supplemented very well through assemblies and other activities.  Good use is made of visitors to develop pupils’ awareness of key aspects of the subject. This is exemplified in their learning about the dangers of using the internet which contributes well to their learning to be safe.  Pupils’ health and well-being are enhanced by the many opportunities to take part in physical activities, including through extra-curricular clubs and the effective use of sports coaches.  Satisfactory attention is paid to developing pupils’ financial capability.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management in PSHE

The leadership and management of PSHE are good.

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Effectiveness of leadership and management in PSHE

 All staff are committed to the subject, and are supported well by the two coordinators and acting headteacher.  Recent professional training has led to very well-considered developments.  Self-assessment is accurate and the plans for improvement are well focused.  Good systems are in place to monitor and evaluate provision and outcomes, although observation of lessons and other subject-related activities do not take place on a regular basis.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

 establishing a regular programme of observations of lessons and other activities  ensuring reports to parents include all strands of the subject.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

I hope these observations are useful as you continue to develop PSHE in the school.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

As I explained previously, a copy of this letter will be sent to your local authority and will be published on the Ofsted website under the URN for your school. It will also be available to the team for your next institutional inspection.

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