IQM report 2011
- 1. IQM REPORT: WISTASTON CHURCH LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL Date of Assessment 17th June 2011 Headteacher: Graham Prince IQM Co-ordinator: Jeanette Webster Angela Culshaw Final Assessor/s: Julie Roberts-Joyce Status: Re-Assessment 1 Successful 1
- 2. School Context o The school was formed in September 2007 as a result of the amalgamation of adjacent infants and junior schools. The headteacher was appointed in September 2007 and was formerly head of the junior school that was part of the amalgamation. o The headteacher, Mr G Prince, provides excellent leadership and together with a very able senior leadership team promotes high standards and strives for continual improvement. He is highly skilled at empowering others and has an excellent capacity to build purposeful and productive working relationships with staff, Governors and parents. o The pupils are mainly of White British heritage. o The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is below average. o The proportion of pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals is well below average. o The school has received the Investors in People Award and is currently working towards Governor Mark accreditation. Tour of the School o The school has a pleasant, friendly and vibrant atmosphere. o Classrooms were busy, a variety of pupil groupings was noted, and pupils were on task and clearly enjoying their learning. o Pupils were willing to share their views and were extremely proud of their school. Each child’s talents are nurtured. o Display is used as a mechanism for reflecting achievement back to pupils and as a method of celebration as reflected in the infant Celebrations display. Discussion with pupils o Reward system is well established and valued by pupils – certificates, headteachers award, golden dinner ticket, praise texts to parents, etc. The school’s inclusive values are reflected in the SEAL ‘Fish Awards’ which are 2
- 3. awarded for “making someone feel welcome”, “doing something brave”, “solving a problem”, “dealing with feelings in a positive way”. o Pupils feel safe, supported and able to seek help with any worries or concerns. The site is secure and security staff monitor entry at the beginning and end of the school day. o Through the Eco Council pupils are very aware of sustainability and environmental issues (school allotment). Wistaston Church Lane is a Fair Trade School and pupils explained that a fair trade stall is to be organised and run by the pupils thus reflecting global community in action. o The school has all policies in place to ensure respect and care for others. Pupil voice is an important part of the process of social development. It is clearly evident that the school puts into practice its commitment to developing the role of pupil voice. An example of good practice is the active and effective School Council. This has a democratic based constitution and provides an excellent example of the way in which the children are encouraged to develop decision making skills. When interviewed, they clearly articulated their role and responsibilities as school citizens and were very proud of their achievements and their role in the Council, citing involvement in staff interviews and cloakroom completion as examples. School council ‘suggestion boxes’ ensure that all pupils have a voice. o In their lessons pupils know and understand teacher expectations. They are know how to access support and are encouraged to help each other. Pupils respond well to the use of WALT/WILF and those interviewed were able to articulate their progress. The target card is an example of good practice. o A wide range of mechanisms are in place to support emotional literacy including the friendship stop and the buddy system. o Relationships at every level are a strength. Pupils felt that there is equality of entitlement at Wistaston. They stressed that they know this to be the case because “the teachers don’t have favourites; they treat everyone the same.” o A wide variety of lunch and after school clubs are on offer and every child can access at least one – guitar, choir, netball, athletics, newspaper, judo, film, cookery and craft to name but some. One parent praised the introduction of homework club “it makes you feel very supported as a parent and reduces the stress of the parent”. Pupils appreciate and enjoy many enrichment activities. Examples cited by pupils included residential visits from Year 2 on – Delamere Forest, Burwardsley, Manor Adventure, and France. o What pupils value most at Wistaston Church Lane;- “Lots of interesting experiences such as the Second World War topic and visiting Eden camp.” “The play facilities especially the tyre park” “Wistonia University because you can mix with others and do exciting things like make cheese on a farm” “Making alien models from recycling materials during Recycling Week” “The clubs, especially football, choir and cricket; there is always lots of choice” 3
- 4. Discussion with Community (including parents and governors) o It was evident from interviews on assessment day that the school is held in high regard by the local community. Local community groups and organisations are encouraged to be involved in the school to contribute to and promote cultural and social diversity; exemplified by the school inviting local people to the summer fair, to attending the local church for a mock baptism ceremony and participation in Town Sports. o Open door policy is appreciated. Parents felt welcomed into school and commented: “All the teachers are on the playground in the morning and it’s easy to talk to them”. They stressed that the school is friendly and that they feel able to contact the school at any time. o Many parent helpers are welcomed into Wistaston Church Lane to share their skills and provide additional support in different curriculum areas. Staff expressed their appreciation of the support given by a significant number of parent helpers. o The PTA, Friends of Wistaston Church Lane School, is run by a small group of dedicated parents who work hard to bring parents, staff and pupils together in a range of social and fund-raising events. Funds raised are used to support a variety of ‘extras. o Pupils at Wistaston value opportunities to take part in local community events which are varied and include - the school choir singing at the Wistaston Village Fete. o In line with ECM – Economic wellbeing the school provides many opportunities to prepare pupils for their future. There are opportunities for pupils to acquire enterprise skills through ‘grow a pound week’; pupils also have opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of economics and business through fundraising events whereby each class runs a lunchtime charity stall in rotation in the Hope Shed. o In line with ECM – Be Healthy the school promotes healthy lifestyles through a variety of mechanisms including the Golden Mile, water coolers, ‘Let’s Bike’ cycling proficiency and a wide range of sporting activities. o The school is committed to embracing diversity and has an established link with a school in Tanzania. Visitors from the Tanzanian school are currently working with pupils to build a native mud hut in the school grounds. Pupils interviewed were looking forward to the forthcoming themed week – Caribbean Week. o A creative curriculum has been introduced throughout the school and this provides the opportunity for all children to access a broad and exciting curriculum. The work is differentiated to meet the children’s individual needs and all the children are provided with challenge. A variety of teaching and learning activities are incorporated into the lessons allowing the children to progress at their individual levels. Theme days are also delivered using multi 4
- 5. sensory teaching approaches and experiential learning e.g. ‘Outdoor Activity Day’. o The school operates an exciting ‘Wistonia University’ programme where pupils engage in their chosen focus. These cover a diverse and wide range of activities with parents, local businesses and members of the local community actively involved in delivering Wistonia University. This is an example of good practice. o Recognition must be given to the school's support for local and national charities such as St Lukes Hospice, Barnadoes, Blue Cross, NSPCC, RSPCA and Tanzed to name but some. Through involvement in such activities pupils develop a greater understanding of and concern for the needs of others. o Targets are displayed and readily available to the children through the newly developed ‘target card system’, which clearly from interviews with pupils is a very effective system and is to be commended. Pupils receive feedback from their teachers concerning their progress towards those targets. Children are tracked effectively and teachers use the data to inform their future planning and teaching strategies. o Parents, pupils, staff and governors are consulted through questionnaires and results are reported. o Excellent transition arrangements highly valued by all. Parents interviewed appreciated home visits for new starters and their attendance at several school events including productions, Christmas lunch etc. They described the staff as “very approachable”, “they make the children feel really special”. o There are strong links with a range of partners in the community; this to include Shavington and Malbank High Schools, Sainsbury’s and Nantwich library. o Governors are regular visitors in school and share their skills and talents to the benefit of the school and its pupils; this to include support with ICT and office admin, accompanying residential visits and organising school discos to name but some. o Governors are aware of and contribute to inclusive practice throughout the school. They are appreciative of the supportive ethos at Wistaston Church Lane and paid tribute to the headteachers leadership and the commitment of the staff who they described as “fantastic”. Discussion with Staff o “As a staff we are very proud of the school” teacher comment. o Team work is a strength at Wistaston Church Lane; with many mechanisms in place to facilitate communication in the school community (staff meetings, subject leader role, CPD). Staff comment: “Since amalgamation and Graham became headteacher there have been so many opportunities for staff 5
- 6. development”. Examples of inclusion related training include every child a writer, anger management and Makaton. o Staff interviewed felt that their roles are acknowledged and their contribution valued. o All interviewed demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting the school vision throughout the school and the wider community. The vision is based on the ‘4 C’s – be courteous, caring, calm, and confident young learners.’ o Communication, liaison with and support for parents is a strength. Parents cited the sharing of curriculum information letters, school newsletters, the school website and access to staff as examples, o There is a wealth of evidence as to the quality of classroom display, including visual time-tables; working walls and interactive opportunities for pupils e.g. WOW words. Classrooms are vibrant and children use displays to support their learning. o The strength of teamwork at Wistaston is reflected in the full participation in school life of every member of staff. This is best exemplified by the caretaker running an after school club. One member of staff commented on the caretaker “he’s brilliant, very hands on, knows all the children by name and runs an after school club”. Whilst another observed “as a staff we all get on rally well, we support each other and socialise together”. Staff are skilled, committed and enthusiastic. One member of the teaching staff commented “the office staff are very friendly”, whilst another agreed “there is lots of enthusiasm here”. o There is a strong partnership with other local schools including Shavington High School and Malbank High School with visits, use of facilities including science labs and music suites. Staff and governors reaffirmed that an effective programme is in place to support transition to high school including extended transition for those who need it. o Teaching and learning activities are enhanced through themed weeks e.g. Caribbean Week and Recycling Week. o Staff work closes with other schools in the local area to host and rotate a variety of events e.g. staff exchanges; shared gifted and talented events and class swap e.g. ‘Fairy Tale Day with Shavington Primary School, Town sports. Overview of visit o The school is very well led and the SLT are efficient and effective managers. o The Headteacher provides outstanding leadership demonstrating an energy and determination in furthering the learning experience of every child at Wistaston Church Lane. He encourages and successfully achieves extensive involvement of different stakeholders throughout the school and wider community. 6
- 7. o The school demonstrates a very inclusive ethos which is embedded throughout the school community. o Expectations are high and behaviour is excellent. o The portfolio of evidence was offered giving clear examples of systems, processes and activities to develop further inclusive practice in the school. The careful and appropriate selection of evidence fully supports the IQM assessment process. Significant Strengths Element 2. Pupil Attitudes, Values and Personal Development 3. Leadership and Management, 4. Staffing Systems and Organisation, 6. Teaching and Learning 10. Community are considered to be significant strengths. Area(s) for Development o To consider pupil request to implement German as a taught language o Item 4 of the Inclusion Action Plan. Renewal of IQM date: Summer Term 2014 7