Pupils enjoy 'warm and nurturing' relationships with staff at this Leeds primary school - Ofsted report
‘Pupils are happy, safe and thrive at Rufford Park’
Ofsted inspectors have praised the work of a primary school in Leeds where pupils enjoy “warm and nurturing” relationships with staff.
Rufford Park Primary School, located on Rufford Avenue, Yeadon, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in two of the seven inspected categories - during an Ofsted visit on September 9.
They were graded as a ‘Strong standard’ in the categories of early years and personal development and wellbeing.
The school received an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the remaining five categories - achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance.
“Pupils are happy, safe and thrive at Rufford Park Primary School,” the education watchdog said. “They are proud of their school and of their achievements. This is an inclusive school, where pupils understand each other’s differences and support one another.
“Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and nurturing, right from nursery through to Year 6. Pupils are highly valued. Staff work quickly to understand any barriers to pupils’ learning and swiftly address them.”
Children in the school’s early years set up make a confident start in a “nurturing and well-organised” learning environment, according to the report.
Leaders are keen for pupils to have a voice and empower them, through regular surveys and school council debates, to make positive changes to school life.
Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, generally achieve well and are well prepared for the next phase of their education.
The school takes a “rigorous approach to attendance,” with robust monitoring and timely engagement with parents and carers.
Focusing on next steps, inspectors added: “Leaders should maintain a sharp focus on improving attendance and reducing persistent absence, especially for disadvantaged pupils.
“They should ensure that pupils consistently develop fluent and accurate handwriting to support their writing across the whole curriculum.”
The curriculum at Rufford Park is taught well, according to the report. Leaders' culture of high expectations and a well-sequenced curriculum supports pupils to learn effectively.
Staff identify any barriers to learning promptly and put in place “bespoke provision, high-quality pastoral support and adaptations in teaching and learning” to support pupils well.
Leaders have established a “welcoming and inclusive school community” where pupils and staff feel “safe and valued.” All decisions they make are in the best interests of pupils.