‘Must do better’ - school told

Ravenshead CofE Primary, in Swinton Rise, was inspected by the Government watchdog in July, and its findings were published last week.

Inspectors found that not enough youngsters are making satisfactory progress, particularly at Key Stage 2, and that the standard of teaching is not consistently high.

Additionally, pupils’ work is not planned to ensure work is set at the right level - particularly for the most and least able youngsters.

Inspectors also found that marking at the school does not consistently give pupils specific information about what they have learned well and what they need to do next.

It also does not ensure that pupils respond to guidance given by the teachers, the report states.

Some subject leaders are not aware of improvements needed in the teaching of their specialist areas, and youngsters with disabilities and special educational needs are not making expected levels of progress.

But inspectors did find that the school is improving quickly and that younger students are achieving well.

Pupil behaviour is also good and students are keen to learn, inspectors said.

Youngsters also know how to stay safe, and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good.

Staff at the school have now been told that the quality of teaching needs to improve as a matter of urgency, while school leaders need to make a greater impact on the quality of teaching.

“Children of all abilities make good progress throughout nursery and reception because teachers plan activities that match their interests and levels of skills well,” the report states.

“Teaching is variable and this results in average rather than good progress by the end of Year 6.

“However, pupils learn well and sometimes very well when work matches their needs accurately.”

Nottinghamshire County Council said Ofsted had also acknowledged the challenges presented by the increasing number of youngsters on roll - including children with a greater range of complex needs.

John Slater, service director for education standards, said: “While the school is disappointed with the overall outcome of the latest Ofsted report, the areas identified for development are already at the heart of the school’s improvement plan and the school is heartened that the report confirms ‘the school is improving quickly’. Both governors and staff were already fully aware of the school’s strengths and areas for development and significant initiatives have already been implemented.”

Support is in place to address gaps in learning, a new marking policy has been introduced, and the primary is working with a partnership school to offer support and advice in teaching special needs and gifted and talented pupils, he said.