Ripley Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher has quickly won the trust of pupils, staff, governors, and parents and carers. She is determined that all pupils will achieve to the best of their ability. Senior leadership is strong.

Leaders are ambitious for their pupils and so have high expectations of staff. As a result, the quality of teaching is good. Leaders' actions are improving standards in reading, writing and mathematics.

An increased proportion of current Year 6 pupils are attaining at a higher standard in all three subjects, compared with 2017. Leaders have developed a whole-school approach to reading. An increased proportion of current pupils in all year gr...oups are reaching expected and higher levels in reading, compared with 2017.

Subject leaders are taking on more responsibilities. To date, they have had limited impact on the quality of teaching and learning, and pupils' outcomes. Leaders do not thoroughly check the impact of additional government funding, including the pupil premium funding and the primary physical education (PE) and sport premium.

School's information shows that current disadvantaged pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5 are not making as much progress as other pupils, particularly with their reading. Teaching is good. Teachers are enthusiastic and relationships are positive.

Pupils have positive attitudes, demonstrating resilience and independence in their learning. Teachers use their good subject knowledge and questioning to develop pupils' learning. They quickly identify and address any confusion and extend pupils' thinking.

Pupils behave well, both in their lessons and at other times of the day. Pupils are respectful towards others. Instances of bullying are rare.

As a result, most lessons flow smoothly and promote effective learning. Most teachers provide work that enables pupils of all abilities to make good progress. On occasion, teachers do not support the least able pupils well enough in their learning.

Overall, pupils' attendance is above the national average. However, disadvantaged pupils do not attend as well as other pupils. Until recently, leaders and governors have not followed processes involving the recruitment of staff and volunteers rigorously enough.

Teachers do not always ensure that pupils respond to guidance to improve their work. This slows pupils' progress. Parents and staff are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

Information about this school

The headteacher was appointed in April 2017. She has restructured and streamlined the senior leadership team. The school is slightly larger than the average-sized primary school.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above the national average. The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is above average.

The majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds. The school runs its own breakfast club and after-school club. In 2017, the school met the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' progress and attainment in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6.