Rufford Park Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 July 2022

Rufford Park Primary is a welcoming and friendly school. There is a calm and purposeful atmosphere. Pupils buzz with excitement to begin their school day. They say that teachers make lessons fun, interesting and challenging. Because of this, pupils are enthusiastic about their learning. Leaders and staff have high expectations for pupils. All staff model good standards of behaviour. Pupils respond well to this. They are friendly, polite and well-mannered. Pupils listen to others' views without interrupting. They behave exceptionally well in lessons and at social times. Pupils understand what bullying is and say it rarely happens. School records confirm this. Pupils are confident that staff will resolve any issues that occur. Pupils enjoy participating in a wide range of interesting activities. For example, pupils take part in a Shakespeare festival and poetry competitions. Many pupils are involved in after- school clubs, music and sporting events. These exciting experiences enrich pupils' learning. Years 4 and 6 pupils enthusiastically spoke about their residential visits to Nell Bank and Peat Rigg Outdoor Training Centre. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. One parent, typical of many, commented, 'My child is flourishing here because staff go the extra mile.'

What the school should improve

• In a few of the foundation subjects, assessment systems are in varying stages of development. Some are not focused enough on checking the important knowledge that pupils should know. In these subjects, leaders do not have an accurate view of how effectively pupils are learning the curriculum. Leaders should ensure that assessments in all subjects provide a clear and accurate picture of what pupils know and remember over time, and identify any gaps in pupils' learning.
• Although senior leaders have developed most subject leaders successfully, this is not the case in a few subjects. As a result, some subject leaders have not received subject leadership training to help them to lead their subjects effectively. In these subjects, teachers do not consistently receive the support they need to deliver the school's curriculum well. Senior leaders should continue to implement their plans to develop all subject leaders so that they can lead their subject successfully and ensure that the curriculum is being implemented effectively.

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