OFSTED

The school has had 2 recent Ofsted Insepctions - one in May 2008 for Maths and a full Ofsted inspection in October 2008. Click here to read both reports.

Both inspections were positive about our school - here are some of the comments made by the Inspectors........

Maths subject Inspection, May 2008

'The quality of teaching and learning of mathematics is good.'

'The project-based lessons are helping pupils to become more independent as
teachers develop their skills in this style of teaching. The rich tasks offer many
opportunities for pupils to think for themselves.'

A good feature, seen in most lessons, was the availability of different levels of
work to meet pupils’ varying needs.

The leadership and management of mathematics are good.

Ofsted Inspection October 2008

'The school has been recognised nationally as a Healthy School and gained awards for its work in Basic skills, international links, the arts and environmental issues.'

'The school is a caring community. Relationships between pupils and adults are excellent. Staff are not only vigilant to pupils' individual needs but also provide dependable, consistent warmth,which provides pupils with a high degree of security.

Moral and social development is good sothat pupils generally get on well together and often show kindness and support to each other.

They have a mature appreciation of each others difficulties. Behaviour is good because staff manage this in a positive manner through praise. Pupils feel safe in school and enjoy learning.

They have a good understanding of what makes a healthy lifestyle.'

'A rich curriculum provides wide-ranging opportunities for pupils to gain a sense of achievementand it effectively supports pupils' good personal development. There is a good range of strategies to support pupils who find learning difficult.'

'There are excellent links with other agencies, both formal and informal, to support pupils and their families and strong systems in place to encourage good attendance.

'The headteacher views the partnership with parents as essential and the school is contributing to community cohesion by being a focus within the community in order to develop this partnership.'

'The headteacher leads the school well and has steered it effectively through a difficult transitional period. He has created strong teamwork amongst all staff and a shared commitment to pupils' education.'

'Pupils feel safe, secure and valued. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good.'

'It takes a strong stance on anti-bullying and pupils feel they can bring any concerns to the attention of a member of staff, confident that these will be dealt with effectively.'

'Pupils' personal development, social skills, sense of responsibility and skills in ICT mean that they are prepared suitably for the next steps in their education.'

'Relationships are often excellent between teachers and their pupils, and behaviour management is skilled.'

'Teachers anticipate when a quick word is needed to bring pupils back on task and they are adept at using apt praise to foster pupils' confidence. They plan well for the mixed age classes, targeting work effectively for the range of abilities. There is close and effective teamwork with teaching assistants, who provide good support to individuals and groups. Questioning is often skilled, encouraging pupils to think and develop their independence as learners.'

'The school has a clear philosophy about the curriculum and its role in broadening pupils' horizons, raising aspirations and promoting success. Hence, there is a strong focus on enrichment through trips, clubs, visitors and special themed events. These activities foster pupils' enjoyment of school, develop their positive attitudes, by providing interesting contexts for learning, and act effectively as a spur to their improving achievement.'

'The school has provided pupils with notebook computers to give good support for home learning.'

'The school provides good care, guidance and support for its pupils who all respond particularly well to one-to-one contact with adults. Support staff play an invaluable role within the school, particularly important during the recent period of major staff changes, because they provide a core of stability and continuity of relationships and because they are very much the 'eyes and ears' of the school. Adults give good support to pupils who find learning difficult to help them make good progress.

'The school tracks all pupils' progress well, analysing carefully the performance of particular groups of pupils through detailed periodic assessments. This enables the senior leaders to review pupils' progress regularly with teachers and target specific support to individuals.'

'The headteacher is committed to developing links with parents, seeing their support for children's learning as essential. He is increasing the school's good links with the local area to ensure even greater community cohesion by making the school a focal point for a range of activities.'

'The school is very inclusive and supports pupils' wide-ranging needs effectively under the careful guidance of the deputy headteacher, who acts as the inclusion manager.'

 

 

Kings Ford Junior School © 2007 School Website by WebAnywhere