Pride in school and its pupils 'shines' in Good Ofsted report

Ofsted identified a 'pride in the school and its pupils' when inspectors visited Rakegate Primary School recently.

They found that leaders’ 'attention to the discipline of school uniform, respectful behaviour and regular attendance communicates high expectations and instils pride’, helping lessons to run smoothly and supporting pupils to develop good habits.

And they noted that, from the 'carefully presented displays of pupils’ work to the well-maintained school premises, a pride in Rakegate Primary and its pupils ‘shines out'.

Headteacher Sarah Horton 'has built up an effective leadership team. Together with governors, they lead the school with well-informed and values-driven ambition'.

The school has 'effective systems and routines’ for teaching early reading, which is taught 'very well'. The school's 'many books and bright displays' celebrate what pupils know and can do. There is a 'firm commitment' to developing pupils’ competence and enjoyment of reading, apparent in pupils’ knowledge of books, author visits and a daily story time.

Staff also work hard to implement the school’s well-resourced phonics programme from nursery onwards, and the curriculum is also well organised in many other subjects. Staff take many opportunities to extend pupils’ learning beyond the classroom, using the school's well-equipped outdoor areas' and arranging regular trips for older pupils.

Leaders identify pupils with any special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) accurately, making sure 'everyone is included in lessons and other activities'.

Staff have 'high expectations of behaviour', making the school 'a calm and orderly place in which to learn'. Good behaviour and hard work are noticed and rewarded, which 'encourages pupils to do their best'.

Staff ask pupils for their ideas about how to improve the school; pupils 'appreciate this and respond well' when they are asked to take on jobs and responsibilities, with pupil council members, digital ambassadors and mental health champions all playing their part in looking after others.

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Staff 'do much to teach pupils about staying safe' and the school has 'robust systems' in place to check on pupils’ welfare and whereabouts. When safeguarding concerns arise, 'staff act quickly to share information with the right people'.

Inspectors concluded that Rakegate Primary, which was judged to be Good in March 2018, remains Good.

Mrs Horton said: "We are extremely proud of the children, staff, governors, parents and carers and the whole Rakegate community who have been part of this report."

Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "I used to be a Rakegate pupil myself and it’s fantastic to see a school of which I have fond memories continue to thrive, and invest in the future of its children.

“I would like to congratulate Sarah Horton and her team on their ongoing success.”

Celebrating a Good rating for Rakegate Primary School are pupils with Headteacher Sarah Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education Councillor Chris Burden and Chair of Governors John Martin.