Rawcliffe Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 June 2025

Pupils are happy and safe at this small, friendly school. The relationships between pupils and staff are positive and respectful. Some pupils need support to manage their behaviour. These pupils get the help they need. Pupils are confident that their teachers do all they can to look after them and to help them to learn. Pupils are encouraged to work hard and are rewarded when they do. They enjoy moving up the class 'behaviour ladder' and the extra break they earn as a result. Recently, the school has made a number of positive changes. This has raised curriculum ambition and the expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils now enjoy a curriculum that is broad and ambitious. As a result, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are making stronger progress. Pupils participate in many sporting competitions. The curriculum is enriched through visits to places such as museums and the theatre. Older pupils are taught basic first aid. This encourages them to be active, responsible citizens. Pupil roles, such as play leaders and school councillors, help pupils to develop their leadership skills. Pupils speak with pride about their contribution to the school.

What the school should improve

• Parents report that the school's communication is too variable. They do not receive the information they need to help them understand their child's school experience. This includes parents of pupils with SEND. As a result, parents hold mixed views about the work of the school. The school should ensure that parents' understanding of its work is supported through proactive and responsive communication channels.
• The school's ambitious curriculum for the early years is not delivered fully. When children are learning through play, the opportunities they get to be creative and develop their independence are too limited. The school should ensure that the classroom environment and the tasks children complete provide them with more opportunities to develop independence and creativity.
• In the early years, there is not enough focus on developing children's language and vocabulary. As a result, children's understanding of key vocabulary is not as developed as it could be. The school should ensure that all children benefit from high-quality adult interactions as they learn through play.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)