Rattlesden Church of England Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since taking on the role, the headteacher, ably supported by the trust, leaders and governors, has taken decisive action to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Pupils' achievements in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of key stage 2 are good.

Pupils' progress continues to improve year on year. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about how happy and safe their children are. They praise the care and support that the school provides for their children.

Leaders and governors are ambitious for the pupils and provide a good quality of education. They have an accurate view of the strengths and a strong strategic vision to sup...port future school improvement. The trust provides effective training to improve the quality of teaching over time.

This has had considerable impact on improving the progress that pupils make, especially in mathematics. Leaders provide pupils with a rich and creative curriculum that underpins teaching and learning. Pupils build their knowledge well across a range of subjects.

The quality of pupils' work in art is particularly impressive. Leadership of the early years is effective. Adults provide precise teaching so that children make good progress from their individual starting points.

They are well prepared for Year 1. Rattlesden is an inclusive school which is at the heart of the small, rural village community. Staff develop strong relationships with pupils and their families.

Staff use their knowledge of pupils effectively when planning learning. As a result, individual pupils' needs are well met. Pupils are enthusiastic about learning.

They enjoy school and are kind and caring towards each other. Effective transition arrangements prepare pupils well for their next key stage. Teachers do not always give enough guidance to pupils on how to improve their writing.

Some pupils, particularly the most able, are not making the progress of which they are capable. At times, teachers do not have high enough expectations of what pupils can do and achieve. More pupils could achieve even better in writing.

Subject leaders for English and mathematics are new to their role. Their actions have not had time to make a significant impact on pupils' outcomes.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than average in size.

The school joined with three other similar-sized local schools to form Thedwastre Education Trust in 2016. A new chief executive officer was appointed in September 2018. Pupils are taught in mixed-age classes.

Year 6 pupils are taught in a single year group. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged is below the national average.