Ofsted Report: Wickham C of E Primary School

INSPECTORS have praised Wickham Primary School for putting its school motto - Manners Maketh Man - into practice.

Pupils at the school were found to be eager to learn and very well behaved during a four-day visit by Ofsted inspectors.

Head teacher Carol Burton came in for praise for leading and managing the school well since taking over in 1996.

The school was also found to have a good range of learning opportunities for children in all years.

Mrs Burton said: "This is a very good report which reflects all the efforts of our very hard-working and enthusiastic staff team.

"We work hard to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum which supports children's learning in an enjoyable way.

"We particularly value the support we receive from our parents, the Church and the community."

Chairman of governors Sue Roger Jones said: "We are delighted with this report.

"Ofsted has confirmed our view that the school has made excellent progress over the last five years.

"The issues highlighted for improvement were already written into our school improvement plan which extends to 2004."

Inspectors found that since the school's last Ofsted inspection in June 1997 teaching standards have improved across the board.

There is also better leadership, management and provision for pupils' personal development.

STRENGTHS

The headteacher leads and manages the school very well.

The governing body is very effective in fulfilling its responsibilities and keeps a tight rein on finances.

Pupils welcome responsibility and older pupils care well for younger ones.

Very good provision of relevant and stimulating extra-curricular activities.

The very good provision for pupils with special educational needs.

Attendance is well above the national average.

WEAKNESSES

At the end of year two, and at the end of year six, standards are below average in writing, spelling and maths.

Teachers do not always expect enough of more able pupils. Not all lessons are planned effectively to challenge them.

STANDARDS

The results in 2002 for National Curriculum tests at the end of year six (ages 10 to 11) in English, maths and science were lower than those for 2001 - mainly due to high numbers of pupils with special educational needs.

Too few pupils are reaching the higher level five of the National Curriculum tests in writing, maths and science.

Standards are generally below expectation in writing, spelling and maths.

The school's targets for the proportion of year six students attaining the expected levels in English and maths are challenging but should be met this school year.

Pupils with special educational needs make very good progress with many coming off the register before they leave school.

Children make good progress at the Foundation Stage with many reaching the Early Learning Goals.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

The quality of teaching is good in nursery and reception years and satisfactory in years one to six.

Standards in the basic skills of literacy are satisfactory but in maths lessons pupils' speed of recall of number facts, for example multiplication tables, is unsatisfactory.

A major teaching strength is the management of pupils and the use of support staff.

Teachers tell pupils what they are going to learn at the beginning of lessons, so everybody knows what they are trying to do.

FACT FILE

Pupils: 179

Age range: four-11

Head teacher: Carol Burton