Rakegate Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher and deputy headteacher are driving improvements in teaching and pupils' achievement at a brisk pace.

Leaders communicate a clear vision for school improvement. Teaching is good overall. Teachers set high expectations of pupils' behaviour and most expect the quality of pupils' work to be good.

Leaders monitor teaching rigorously, taking swift action to support and develop teaching further. There are some variations in teaching. In some lessons, the work is not challenging enough for the most able pupils.

Additional adults are not always used effectively. Some pupils are over-reliant on additional support from adult...s. This slows their progress.

In 2017 there was a dip in standards at the end of key stage 2. Leaders addressed this rapidly. Current pupils in school are making good progress and achieving better standards.

This is an inclusive school. The provision for pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities is highly effective. Children in Nursery and Reception settle quickly into school routines.

Not all children make as much progress as they could in early years, particularly boys and disadvantaged children. Adults in early years do not make effective use of children's previous learning when planning activities. The outdoor learning area does not stimulate children's enthusiasm for learning well enough.

Pupils enjoy school and attend regularly. The school effectively celebrates their achievements in attendance. Pupils behave well.

They are courteous and polite. Governors are providing challenge and support to secure continued improvements. The new chair and vice-chair have rapidly improved governance.

Most parents and carers speak highly of the school. They value the personalised support for children and their families. Parents appreciate the range of curricular experiences the school provides for their children.

Pupils feel safe in school. Safeguarding is effective. There is a strong, caring and nurturing culture across the school.

Information about this school

Rakegate Primary School is a larger than average-sized primary school. The headteacher and deputy headteacher took up their new posts from September 2017. Over half of the pupils are from a White British heritage, with an increasing proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils supported with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is in line with national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN support is in line with the national average.

The school runs a breakfast club and an after-school club, both on site. A new chair of governors was appointed in the autumn term 2017. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set minimum expectations for the attainment and progress of pupils by the end of key stage 2.