St Mary’s Rickmansworth CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The school is improving rapidly because the new dedicated headteacher and middle leaders, alongside governors, are determined to provide the best possible education for all pupils. The school has a caring inclusive ethos, where pupils are looked after well. Parents and carers, pupils and staff are overwhelmingly supportive of the work of the school.

An exciting, aspirational curriculum develops pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well. They are well prepared for the next stage in their education and for life in modern Britain. Pupils enjoy learning and work hard at school.

Behaviour is good in lessons, at playtime an...d while moving about the school. Pupils show respect towards and tolerance of each other and adults. The implementation of new strategies is improving teaching and learning in reading, writing and mathematics.

As a result, current pupils are making good and better progress from their September starting points. The early years curriculum and teaching are improving quickly. Children work well together in a stimulating learning environment.

They make good progress from their various starting points. Teachers show strong subject knowledge and ask effective questions that develop pupils' thinking, knowledge and skills across the curriculum. Leaders and governors have an accurate view of the strengths and weaknesses of the school.

Their improvement plans are effective. Safeguarding arrangements are effective. Strong practices are in place to keep pupils safe and to address any concerns quickly.

Staff use their knowledge of current pupils to plan effective tasks. Sufficient challenge and appropriate support, where required, enable all groups of pupils to make good progress during their learning activities. The new, talented middle leadership team is beginning to drive school development but has not yet had time to show sustained impact on teaching, learning and assessment, and pupils' outcomes.

Information about this school

There have been many changes in leaders and teachers in recent years. The headteacher was appointed in September 2017 and the new middle leadership team from September 2018. The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. Children in the early years attend full-time in the Reception Year and full-time or part-time in the Nursery Year. The proportion of pupils with SEND is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils who are eligible for pupil premium funding is well below the national average. The school has a Church of England designation. The last section 48 inspection of religious education was in March 2018.

Also at this postcode