pdf School inspection report - Ofsted

47. Provision for pupils’ moral development is very good. The Code of Conduct is well
understood by pupils and there is a copy of the school’s Mission Statement in every
classroom. In addition, each classroom has its own rules and procedures. Pupils’
achievements are highlighted and celebrated in assemblies and an award is
presented to one pupil in each class on the basis of good work, exemplary behaviour
and willingness to be helpful. Through assemblies, circle time, personal and social
education and religious education lessons, pupils are frequently encouraged to think
about moral issues and to consider the difference between right and wrong.
48. Pupils’ social development is very well supported. Plentiful opportunities are provided
in subjects across the curriculum for pupils to work collaboratively in pairs and in
groups. The school places a strong emphasis on sharing from the time when pupils
enter the Nursery. All Key Stage 1, teachers supervise playground activities in order
to cultivate and reinforce pupils’ social skills. Under the school’s arrangements for
paired reading, Year 5 pupils assist those in Year 1, and in lessons higher attaining
pupils often willingly support pupils with SEN. Pupils take responsibility by acting as
register monitors in each class whilst Year 6 pupils help to run the school library.
Relationships between teachers and pupils are very positive. Pupils also relate well to
each other and they behave courteously towards visitors and other adults who work in
the school.
49. The provision for cultural development is good. Pupils become acquainted with a
range of different cultures through their work in a number of subjects, especially art,
music and religious education. In art, they study the works of famous artists of the
past and the present from different regions of the world. Pupils who are members of
the steel band gain a familiarity with Caribbean music. In religious education, pupils
visit the buildings for worship of three different faith communities and compare the
beliefs, values and traditions of Christians, Moslems, Hindus and Jews. Pupils learn
about local culture in their geography lessons on the school’s environment. The
curriculum for history gives pupils good opportunities to learn about the development
of British culture over many centuries as well as aspects of their own cultural
inheritance. Regular visits to museums promote further understanding of both the
local and the national heritage.
50. The quality of learning opportunities provided for pupils with special educational needs
is good. The effectiveness of teaching strategies for their literacy and numeracy
development is very good. These pupils are provided with a broad and balanced
curriculum and well-constructed individual education plans which ensure that all are
given work which is well matched to their needs.
HOW WELL DOES THE SCHOOL CARE FOR ITS PUPILS?
51. In the under-fives, staff know the children well, provide a secure environment and
encourage independence. These promote children’s self-esteem very effectively.
The school’s initial assessment of children’s learning is undertaken in the nursery.
Assessment approved by the local authority is used in reception. The school
continues to provide a safe and caring environment, with very good educational and
personal support and guidance for its pupils.
Greenhill Community School - 20