Ryarsh Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

Ryarsh is an outstanding school which has improved well since its last inspection when it was judged to be good. This is chiefly due to the high expectations that staff have of pupils' achievement.

Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school's qualities, commenting on the dedication of teachers and support staff, their approachability and interest in each pupil's academic and personal development. Pupils' achievement is outstanding because of the rapid progress pupils make throughout the school. Consequently, attainment is consistently above national averages and is higher than at the time of the last inspection.

In particular, pupils' reading skills develop quickly, which ...together with their love of learning, supports their achievement in all subjects. The key to the school's outstanding teaching lies in the precision with which teachers use their understanding of pupils' changing needs to adapt their approaches so that not a moment is lost. Marking gives pupils detailed advice on how to improve, but teachers do not routinely require pupils to respond directly to this feedback.

Pupils' behaviour, attitude to learning and conduct in lessons and around the school are exemplary. A family atmosphere pervades the school, exemplified in positive parental comments about how older pupils help younger children to settle quickly into school life. Outstanding leadership and management are reflected in the strong sense of shared direction and teamwork across all staff, which is outstandingly effective in promoting pupils' experiences and personal development through a rich curriculum.

The emphasis on the leadership of teaching has been instrumental in the overall improvements made since the last inspection. Management of performance is rigorous, with scrupulous attention given to areas requiring improvement.

Information about the school

Most pupils in this smaller–than-average-sized primary school come from White British backgrounds, although a variety of other ethnic backgrounds are represented in small numbers.

A few pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The proportion of pupils supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below that found nationally.

There are six classes, with some pupils taught in mixed-aged classes during the afternoon. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are taught in the Reception class. All pupils are taught in year groups for English, mathematics and science.

The school runs a breakfast and after-school club. The headteacher took up his post in September 2009. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.