Riddings Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher, ably supported by the deputy headteacher, has nurtured and inspired his staff to successfully address the issues from the last inspection.

The governing body effectively supports and challenges leaders. Middle leaders are now fully involved in ensuring that teaching and pupils' outcomes are improving throughout the school. Good teaching is enabling pupils to make strong progress.

Standards in writing have improved. Pupils work hard and take pride in the presentation of their work. However, pupils do not always check their work thoroughly and correct their mistakes.

Standards in reading fell in 2017. Leaders analy...sed the reasons for this and made changes. The teaching of reading is increasingly a strength of the school, and pupils' attitudes to reading are very positive.

Leaders recognise the need to further develop pupils' vocabulary. Pupils enjoy many opportunities to explain their thinking in lessons. Most teachers have high expectations of the quality of pupils' answers and address any misconceptions that arise.

In most lessons, teachers question and challenge the most able pupils effectively. Leaders are sharing this good practice among staff to ensure that these pupils consistently achieve as well as they should. Pupils enjoy school and are very keen to learn.

They behave well in lessons and around the school. Levels of persistent absence have reduced, and overall attendance is just above the national average. This is a highly inclusive school, where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.

The progress of pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities is strong. Teaching assistants are very effective at encouraging pupils to think for themselves. Work to promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is highly effective.

Pupils gain a good understanding of fundamental British values. Pupils benefit from a well-planned curriculum. Their learning is enhanced by a range of sporting, musical and cultural activities.

These are much appreciated by pupils and parents. Leaders with responsibility for the foundation subjects have begun to take a greater role in checking the quality of teaching and outcomes in their subjects. This development is in its early stages.

Leaders have made recent changes to the way that they use the additional funding for disadvantaged pupils. This is helping these pupils to make faster progress, particularly in reading.

Information about this school

Riddings Junior School is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The number on roll is increasing. The school has two classes in each year group. Most pupils come from White British backgrounds.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above that seen nationally. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is also above average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress by the end of Year 6.