Rydon Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

Rydon is a good school. Pupils achieve well due to teaching that is consistently good.

Even though there are some aspects of leadership that are excellent, the school is not yet outstanding because not enough teaching is of outstanding quality. Pupils achieve well in both their personal and academic development. Children achieve well in the Reception year, although progress in literacy skills is not so rapid because the teaching of letters and sounds is not sufficiently systematic.

Progress is good in reading, writing and mathematics in Years 1 to 6 so that by the time pupils leave the school, attainment is significantly above average. There are many strengths in the quality of teaching, which... is consistently good and sometimes outstanding. Teachers manage pupils well and they provide interesting activities that are usually challenging for all groups of pupils.

This has a positive impact on pupils' academic and personal development. Even so, there are inconsistencies. Marking is thorough and supportive, although in some classes there is a variation in the setting of targets, particularly in mathematics.

In addition, on occasion teachers do not give enough opportunity for pupils to contribute during lesson introductions. Behaviour is good in lessons because there is a positive and purposeful atmosphere in all classes. Pupils enjoy learning, say that they feel safe in school and there is little bullying.

They talk positively about how they get on well together. Attendance has improved and is now above average. There are outstanding qualities to the leadership and management of senior staff.

The management of performance is good with teaching and learning being closely monitored. This gives rise to a well-conceived programme of professional development. Middle managers carry out their responsibilities well and the governing body provides a good balance between challenge and support for the school.

Information about the school

Rydon is an over-subscribed primary school that is much larger than average. It converted to academy status in October 2011 and is part of the Templer Academy Schools Trust. The Trust also includes Teign Secondary School, Kingsteignton and Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot.

Almost all the pupils are of White British heritage and the proportion known to be eligible for free school meals is well below average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs, including those supported by school action plus or with statements of special educational needs, is average. The school meets the current government floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

The school provides breakfast and after-school care. This is not managed by the governing body and is therefore not included in this inspection. The school has gained a number of national awards including the Artsmark (Silver) and the ICT award for the effective promotion of information and communication technology.