Ray Lodge Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The inspirational headteacher has embedded an ambitious culture of aspiration for pupils and staff alike. She has developed a strong team of leaders at all levels who share her vision and goals.

Governors are committed to the school and its further improvement. They know the school well and use a range of evidence to check its effectiveness. The curriculum offers a broad range of subjects which are taught effectively by class teachers and specialist teachers.

The provision for artistic development is particularly strong. The early years provision is outstanding. An exciting and interesting environment motivates children to explore... and develop their skills.

As a result, they make outstanding progress. Pupils make excellent progress because the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is consistently good. All groups of pupils are taught well regardless of disadvantage, cultural background or individual need.

Provision for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strong. Fundamental British values are promoted consistently throughout the school and pupils are encouraged to consider philosophical questions such as 'Where do thoughts come from?' Pupils' personal development and welfare are outstanding. Those who join the school later make friends quickly and soon start to make accelerated progress.

Pupils leave the school as confident and self-assured learners. Overall, pupils' behaviour is good. They pay attention very well in lessons, and are polite and courteous.

Many pupils join the school at different times in the school year and their behaviour sometimes requires adult intervention. However, once these pupils settle in to the school, their behaviour improves rapidly.

Information about this school

Ray Lodge is a large primary school with three classes in all year groups except Year 5, where there are two.

Nursery children come to school part time, attending in either the mornings or the afternoons. The headteacher took up post in September 2012. She has supported several local schools judged to require improvement as they seek to improve their provision.

A very high proportion of pupils join the school at times other than those usually expected. In 2015, a third of Year 6 had joined the school during key stage 2. This high proportion is reflected throughout the school: for example, a third of the current Year 5 have joined the school since September 2015.

Pupils in the school come from a very diverse range of cultural backgrounds. Around three quarters of pupils speak English as an additional language, and a third are eligible for free school meals. These proportions are above national averages.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disability is also above average. The school meets the government's floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

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