Rivington Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

The school provides an outstanding education for its pupils. Pupils achieve exceptionally well because of outstanding leadership and management, high quality teaching and an exciting curriculum.

Lessons are sharply focused on pupils' learning. Pupils are challenged well and make outstanding progress from their starting points which are typically below those expected for their age. Excellent care, guidance and support lead to very positive personal development for pupils.

In the 2011 national tests at the end of Year 6, overall attainment was high in English and mathematics, continuing a trend over recent years. Pupils relate extremely well to adults and to their peers. Behaviour in lessons an...d around the school is good.

Pupils adopt healthy lifestyles well. They feel very safe and well cared for at school because of the good safeguarding procedures. Pupils make exceptionally valuable contributions to the school and to the wider community.

The Early Years Foundation Stage provides children with a good start to their formal education. However, while every possible opportunity is taken in the Reception class to develop children's independent learning skills, opportunities are sometimes missed in the Nursery to develop these skills especially in the outside area by using a wide range of imaginative activities. Throughout the school, pupils are enthusiastic learners.

Attendance has improved and is above average, demonstrating pupils' enjoyment of school. Teaching is outstanding overall. Pupils know what they are expected to learn because teachers make clear the lesson's learning objectives and the pupils use these to evaluate their progress.

Teachers have high expectations and pupils respond accordingly. The teachers use assessment information very well to plan work that challenges pupils of different abilities, which results in pupils making rapid progress. Pupils know how well they are doing and what they need to do to improve because : they are set clear individual learning targets.

The school's excellent curriculum has been extremely well developed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The innovative curriculum provides considerable enjoyment for pupils. Interesting links between subjects add great relevance to learning.

The outstanding achievement of pupils is the consequence of highly effective monitoring and professional guidance provided by skilled leaders. Self-evaluation is accurate, systematic and thorough. The findings are used well to inform planning and action to bring about improvements where needed.

For example, the whole- school focus on developing pupils' writing skills has ensured pupils use them exceptionally well across the curriculum. The drive and determination by the enthusiastic headteacher has been at the heart of the school's improvements. She is well supported by senior staff and other leaders who are all effectively involved in developing their areas of responsibility.

The governing body has an excellent understanding of its strategic role in the school's development and has good systems for checking on its effectiveness and holding the leaders to account. This school demonstrates an outstanding capacity to sustain improvement.

Information about the school

This is a slightly above average-sized primary school.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is average and the proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is well below average. The percentage of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is above average. The school has gained many awards, including the Healthy School status and the Artsmark gold.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms