Rise Park Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

Rise Park is a good school. It is successfully developing pupils' self-esteem and raising achievement.

The effect of these positive features is reflected in pupils' personal qualities, including their interest in what they do and enjoyment of learning. Pupils behave well and have a good understanding of healthy lifestyles and how to keep safe. Parents and carers are supportive of the school and, one parent's comments sum up the views of others: 'My son enjoys school.

.. and we value the effort made by the staff.'

The determination of the headteacher, along with developing strengths in collective leadership, are key factors driving improvement. The effectiveness of the newly-formed s...enior leadership has had a positive impact on several aspects of the school's work. These include the strengthening of leadership skills and widening of management responsibilities, both of which have been instrumental in lifting pupils' achievement levels.

The school's awareness and vision are increasingly informed by regular monitoring and a detailed self-evaluation. The governing body and school leaders have a clear understanding of where the school is now and of the priorities that need to be addressed to maintain recent improvements. The school's capacity for sustained improvement is good.

The steer to raise achievement levels has been supported by a review of the curriculum and a systematic monitoring of classroom practice. Accurate and reliable assessment procedures underpin successful teaching, which fully engages pupils and motivates them with interesting and exciting activities, often linking different subjects. Pupils are progressing well in lessons that are typically pitched at the right level.

However, pupils are not consistently challenged throughout all lessons because teachers talk for too long at the start of lessons and do not always use the knowledge they have of the pupils' work to plan precisely the next activity. Achievement is good and pupils currently in Year 2 are on course to gain higher levels than those reached last year. Intervention work, including tailored support for individual pupils, is successfully supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Pupils' personal outcomes are reflected in their enthusiasm and involvement in the many activities that support the smooth running of the school. Popular, after-school activities and trips provide pupils with many opportunities to strengthen their creative and performance skills and develop confidence. Pupils are respectful and value the views of others, but have a limited knowledge of communities in this country and globally.

Opportunities for developing this aspect of community cohesion are missed when linking learning together across different parts of the curriculum.

Information about the school

Rise Park is smaller than most other primary schools. The very large majority of pupils are from families of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including those with a statement of special educational needs, is below average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is also below average. Children enter the Early Years Foundation Stage into one of two Reception classes.

The school has won a number of awards reflecting its commitment to healthy living and eco-awareness, and the way it develops its staff. There is an after-school club located on the school site. This is not managed by the governing body and was not included in the inspection.

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