OFSTED inspection

We are thrilled with the number of good and very good statements about our school and OFSTED's acknowledgement of our excellent relationship with our parents. The report notes the high standards achieved by our children and acknowledges their positive attitudes towards learning. Teaching is a strength of the school with 84% of lessons observed being good or better and 24% being very good. Our theme weeks including science and arts week were considered as "innovative practice" that "extends the pupils' knowledge as they move through the school". Our science workshops were considered very good practice and the very good teaching of science throughout the school was also highlighted as a strength of the school. The Nursery and Reception classes give the children a very good start to their schooling and the curriculum provided is judged to be very good. Key Stage 1 continues this development and ensures that "standards are consistently above and well above the average expected." We are also pleased that OFSTED noted that the school is "proactive and innovative" in our use of self evaluation and has a clear vision "based on nurturing young children but also ensuring that the school seeks the highest possible academic standards."

I would like to share with you aspects of the OFSTED report and at the bottom of the page you can connect to the OFSTED summary.

The school's main strengths and weaknesses are:
· The very good leadership and management of the Headteacher provide the
school with clear educational direction and ensure that self- evaluation
procedures are rigorous and effective.
· The governing body and the other senior staff in the school provide significant
challenge and support to the school's leadership and management.
· The good teaching and learning across the school enable pupils in Year 2 to
reach standards that are well above those expected for their age in reading,
writing, mathematics and science. However, standards in information and
communication technology (ICT) are not as high as they could be because
computer skills are not used sufficiently to support learning widely across all
other subjects. (Aspect of current School Improvement Plan)
· Provision for children in the Foundation Stage is good and ensures that they
are well prepared for their work in the National Curriculum.
· The excellent partnership which the school has with its parents and the very
good links with the community give the school a high profile in the locality and
support very well the standards that pupils achieve.
· Pupils' very good attitudes to learning and the very good behaviour they
demonstrate in class and around the school, help to encourage an effective
learning environment where all pupils are valued and make good progress in
their learning.
· Pupils' personal and social development are promoted well but they are not
sufficiently aware of the impact of the other ethnic groups that make up our
own multicultural society.
· The current library accommodation is poor. This will be improved as a result
of the new building programme. (Aspect of current School Improvement Plan)

Standards attained in the 2004 national tests for seven-year-olds were well above average in all subjects. In reading and writing, compared with all schools, the results were among the top five per cent of schools nationally. Very good achievement is directly related to the quality of teaching and learning.Pupils' personal qualities, including their attitudes, behaviour and relationships are very good. Pupils are enthusiastic learners and try hard at their work. They listen attentively and work co-operatively when required.

The quality of education provided by the school, including teaching and learning, is good. Teachers plan well and have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. They are inventive and resourceful and provide imaginative activities which encourage and stimulate pupils. The leadership and management of the school are very good. The very good leadership provided by the Headteacher and the very good support from the Acting Deputy Headteacher and the other senior teacher ensure that there is no complacency in the school and that high standards are being sought in all areas of its work. The leadership and management of the Foundation Stage are very good. The school has a very strong ethos and a clear aim of including all pupils in its work.

The very good attitudes and behaviour and relationships between pupils and staff contribute to the impressive sense of community in the school. Pupils show very good interest in their lessons and strive hard to achieve the expectations of their teachers. The community atmosphere that permeates the whole school has a positive effect on pupils' learning. Pupils understand the school rules and do their best to keep them and, as a result, standards of behaviour have improved since the last inspection and are now very good. All adults in the school set very good examples for their pupils. The culture promoted by the school is one of a large and happy family where everyone is valued and respected. Both parents and pupils confirm how much they enjoy and benefit from this caring environment.

I would like to thank everyone involved with our school. This positive report is a reflection of everyone's commitment to High Down Infant School and to the enhancement of the education of our pupils.