Howley Grange

In November 2008 the school underwent an Ofsted Inspection.  The following paragraphs are a reflection of the many positive comments made about the school.

This is a good school in which pupils achieve above average academic standards and outstanding personal development. Parents, staff and pupils are proud of the school and appreciate the many popular out-of-school activities. The school’s support, guidance and care for pupils are excellent. Procedures for the pupils’ safety are effective and the school actively promotes inclusion and equality while determinedly tackling discrimination. The school has demonstrated good capacity to improve and leaders, managers, staff and governors are not complacent and want the best for all pupils.

 Pupils of all ages make good progress: they enjoy learning and try hard in lessons. They take a pride in their work and are keen to explain what they are learning and how well they are doing. Those pupils who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who have a statement of special educational need make significantly better progress than is the case nationally.

An overwhelming majority of pupils reach nationally expected standards at the end of both Key Stages 1 and 2. This level of performance, together with the proportion of pupils attaining the higher Level 3 in Key Stage 1 and Level 5 in Key Stage 2, is well above the national average. Standards in writing, by pupils of all ages, have improved since the last inspection in 2005.

The behaviour of pupils is outstanding. They feel confident and safe in school and readily take on additional responsibilities. Arrangements for the care and well-being of pupils are thorough. Members of the school council are proactive in decision making and school ‘buddies’ are enthusiastic helpers.

Older pupils are good ambassadors for health promotion. About half of the pupils take advantage of the healthy school lunches: a much higher proportion than is the case nationally. After school sports activities, clubs and teams are very popular and contribute purposefully to pupils’ healthy lifestyles.

 Pupils have an outstanding sense of moral and ethical issues and their empathy for those less fortunate than themselves was illustrated excellently in a class assembly. Pupils have a well-developed understanding of the range of cultures and religions found in Britain today.

 Overall, the quality of teaching and learning is good. In the best lessons, activities and questions accurately match the pupils’ abilities and reinforce the depth of their understanding. Teachers’ enthusiasm and energy are infectious but they are most effective when they are channelled precisely at purposeful and focused learning so that progress is assured. In an outstanding Key Stage 2 mathematics lesson a pupil explained, ‘The teacher makes it fun and explains things really well.’

Pastoral care is outstanding. All adults are keenly aware of each pupil’s individuality and needs. Parents are consulted regularly about their children’s progress and needs. Most parents reported that they were happy to bring their concerns to members of staff.

Pupils feel valued within the school community and they work with local organisations such as the police.

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are well behaved and enthusiastic about their learning. They make good progress from starting points expected for their age. They are able to write accurately and at length by the end of Reception and the children are immensely proud of their achievement.