An Oldham primary school still requires improvement in three key areas – a year after being described as inadequate by Ofsted inspectors.
Last year, Richmond Primary School was given deemed in adequate in three of the four key indicators and given the same rating overall.
Now, despite making significant progress, especially in regards to the attitude and behaviour of pupils, a follow-up report expresses concern over the below average achievement.
The school has now been rated as requiring improvement.
Lead Inspector Steve Isherwood said: “Not enough pupils are reaching the higher levels in their work because activities in some lessons are not sufficiently challenging.”
The below average achievement is especially prevalent at the end of Years 2 and 6, which are consistently attaining lower than average results across all subjects.
However, the standard is improving with more students making the expected progress in their classes, which now compares ‘favourably’ with the national average.
The report states that the standard of teaching is ‘improving significantly’ but still requires work, as lessons are not of a consistently high enough standard to foster long term achievement.
Mr Isherwood said: “Less attention is given to the development of pupils’ independent and thinking skills because in some lesson teachers control too tightly what pupils do.”
He added that, while teachers often question pupils effectively and set out clear aims, some of tasks ‘lack sparkle’ and not enough is done to ensure all pupils ‘get a buzz out of lessons’.
The inspection found that improvements in leadership and management were still needed before the school could get better.
However, the report praises the progress made since last year’s inspection, highlighting the team work and greater awareness of the collective responsibility to improve the school.
Above all Mr Isherwood praised the ‘highly effective leadership’ of the executive headteacher and the head of school.
He added: “It has been central to the school’s journey out of special measures and back on track.”
No one at the school was available for comment.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks
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