The Provider:

Arnside National Primary School

• Arnside National School is a voluntary aided primary school.
• There are currently 128 pupils on roll.
• The school is a typical 70's building and has been completely refurbished, extended, developed and improved over time.
• Pupil attainment on entry is broadly in line with national standards. This judgement is obtained from the previous Ofsted inspection and from information from pre- school providers.
• 2.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is below the national average.
• Pupils identified as having Special Educational Needs is 0.3%,which is below the national average and there are currently no pupils whose first language is not English.
• Standards at the end of Key Stage 2 are very high with the school appearing in the top 300 schools nationally in 2007.

Summary:

• The school has been identified by the LA as an example of good practice in this field and nominated by the LA for Leading Aspect accreditation.  It has identified outdoor provision at Foundation Stage as a key area of influence in child development as they progress through the school. The evidence shows that pupils develop skills such as coordination, balance, etc. and the ability to share and work together as a team, providing a solid foundation on which the children build to develop the necessary skills and confidence to work well both as individuals and as part of a team. The early years focus on play and outdoor activity helps nurture the skill and talents at an early stage and this is reflected in the standards achieved and externally recognised by the pupils in later years.

The Aim:

• This aspect has been chosen because the school is already recognised as a quality provider of the foundation stage curriculum.
• The Local Authority has encouraged this application as the good practice has already been recognised via the school's status as a Beacon School. 
• Ofsted has rated Arnside's provision as 'outstanding' in three consecutive reports and the school is currently holders of Cumbria's ' Kitemark accreditation for Early Years.'
• The school is constantly reviewing its practice to maintain its excellent standards and it sees the Leading Aspect Award as further recognition of the school's excellence in this area.

What do you see in the school?

• Whole school audit of outdoor provision.
• School Improvement Planning-outdoor provision.
• Action planning re Foundation Stage provision.
• Target Setting Process to achieve outcomes re quality.
• LA used for advice and support.
• External outdoor specialists used regularly by the school.
• Cumbria Wildlife Trust to support development of wildlife garden in school grounds.
• All Key Stage 1 staff, School Council and Key Stage 1 pupils involved in consultation and design process.
• Parents involved in curriculum development, pupil surveys etc and outdoor maintenance.
• Constant upgrading and maintenance on foundation stage outdoor area to ensure pupil safety.
• School Development Plan.
• Equal Opportunity, SEN Policies etc.
• Links with outside agencies e.g. Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
• National Skipping Federation.
• Sports /Outdoor Provision.
• Bids for Funding to develop outdoor provision.
• Inclusion for all pupils.
• Extended Schools Activities.
• Top Sport accredited trainers.
• HT / subject leaders nationally recognised qualifications.
• Whole Staff commitment to outdoor provision.
• Foundation Stage/ KS1 clear planning with progression to KS1/KS2.
• Termly audit of resources, provision & success.
• Foundation Stage planning.
• Staff Training.
• Performance Management Reviews.
• Partnerships with other schools and providers.
• Performance Management Reviews.
• Governor monitoring of outdoor provision.
• LA Annual Review of School Performance.
• High educational standards.
• Collaboration with other schools and external agencies.
• LA recognition for provision.
• Sports Tournament success.
• Participation and winners at KS2 which has built on KS1 and Foundation Stage provision.
• Inter-school partnerships.
• Working with outside agencies/professionals.
• National Recognition.
• Outdoor Maths Trails/Outdoor Play opportunities
• NPQH/TTA candidates.
• Early Years Consortium meetings to share and support with consortium schools.

What difference does it make?

• Collaboration with other schools and external agencies.
• Raising confidence and self-esteem
• LA recognition for provision.  Sports Tournament participation and winners especially at KS2 which has built on KS1 provision.
• Excellence and enjoyment achieved.
• Pupils receive rich, broad and balanced outdoor activities
• Positive attitudes & high standards of behaviour.
• Extensive equipment and facilities in the school
• Y6 playground leaders sharing good practice with others

From where is evidence collected to prove the Leading Aspect?

• Accreditation Cumbria
• Activemark accreditation
• Audit of resources
• Behaviour of children around the school
• County Gymnastic Finalists
• Diocesan Report 07
• Early Years Kite mark Portfolio
• Evidence files.  Pupil Work
• Healthy Schools Recognition
• HT Reports to Governors
• In- house provision and access to external providers
• Inter School tag rugby winners
• Job Descriptions
• Kite mark accreditation
• LA documentation
• LA Kwik Cricket champions
• National Skipping Day
• Ofsted Report 07
• Photographs-development progress
• Playhouse and outdoor wheeled toys provision
• Pupil Certificates of achievement
• Pupil/ School Council Reviews
• Records of communications with outside agencies
• Reports to Governors
• School Improvement Plan / SEF
• Staff portfolios
• Use of HLTA and Year 6 team leaders
• Visual Inspection
• Wildlife trust working with pupils
• Wildlife Trust Recognition
• Photographs of activities
• Outstanding Ofsted Reports
• Visits and visitors lists
• NPQH/TTA invitation as a host school
• Discussions with colleagues at LA meetings
• Feedback from meetings

The Verifiers Comment

The school provides an extensive experience of education outside the classroom. This includes play, writing, painting, small and large toy activities, planting and growing, observing and encouraging wildlife, games and PE, visits to important local public places, surveys of the local environment, orienteering, multi skills provision, team games and dance. This varied and rich educational experience is developed in long, medium and short term planning. Activities outside the classroom enable to develop both physically and intellectually. The success and good practice developed in the Foundation Stage is built upon and extended in key stages 1 & 2.