Ridgeway Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher, other senior leaders and governors have worked tirelessly to transform the school since it became an academy. They have a shared drive and vision for pupils and staff to excel.

Working together, senior leaders and governors have further improved teaching and learning in the past two years. The vast majority of pupils now make good progress from their different starting points, including disadvantaged pupils and the most able. Pupils' achievement is considerably better than at the time of the previous inspection.

The proportion of pupils who reach the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics check has risen rapidly. Phonics... teaching is good across the school. Middle leaders have not had such a positive impact upon improving pupils' standards as those in charge of English and mathematics.

Middle leaders' plans to improve teaching in foundation subjects are not yet as robust as those produced by senior leaders. In 2016, Year 6 pupils made excellent progress in mathematics and writing. Staff teach these two subjects particularly well so that standards have increased for all groups of pupils.

Pupils also made good progress in reading last year. However, standards in reading are not yet as high as those seen in writing and mathematics. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning.

They enjoy school because their lessons are challenging and engaging. Pupils are enthusiastic learners but often do not take enough care with their spelling and handwriting Pupils demonstrate very good conduct around school. Senior leaders have established a calm and orderly environment.

Governors have a robust understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They challenge leaders effectively to ensure continuous improvement and offer support to staff by providing many opportunities for training and development. The early years provision is good.

Children's progress is particularly strong in Reception. Staff plan activities thoughtfully to meet the specific needs of individuals and the proportion of children who reach a good level of development has increased. Parents agree that their children are safe and well cared for by staff in the school.

Information about this school

This school is smaller than the average size for a primary school, but numbers have increased since the previous inspection. The vast majority of pupils are White British and speak English as their first language. The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged is well above average compared to other schools nationally.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is above average and so too is the proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan or a statement of special educational needs. The school meets the government's floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish. Most children in the Nursery attend part time for at least 15 hours per week. Some parents choose to purchase additional hours of provision for their children to attend Nursery for longer than 15 hours.

This provision is purchased on a flexible basis to meet parents' needs. Children in the Reception Year attend full time. The board of governors makes provision for a daily breakfast club and the school runs several after-school activities.

Also at this postcode