Ofsted rates Rangeworthy Primary School as inadequate

Rangeworthy Primary School received the inadequate rating after being inspected in September last year. 

The school - located in Church Lane - received the lowest rating for leadership and early years provision, while receiving requires improvement for behaviour and development. 

New headteacher Samantha Travis - who joined the school in June last year - said additional training was being provided and measures were being put in place to address concerns.

In a damning report, inspectors described the quality of education as “poor” where pupils were “not well prepared” for the next stage of their education.

They also described the school's curriculum as "weak" and "poorly planned," and stated that staff training has “has been scant”. 

The report also stated that pupils with SEND “are not getting the help they need”. 

They also described the school's approach to teaching phonics and early reading as "lacking," but stated that pupils enjoy story time.

However, inspectors described pupils as “friendly” and “polite” where staff ensure children learn the difference between right and wrong. 

Rangeworthy Primary School has been handed an inadequate rating by Ofsted inspectors - photo by Google Maps from 2019 (Image: Google Maps)

In addition, the report states that the school has “strong relationships” where pupils are confident that they can talk to any adult if they have a worry or concern.

According to the report, Rangeworthy Primary is also not permitted to appoint any early career teachers before its next monitoring inspection.

“Our new leadership team remain focussed on continuing to drive forward" says headteacher 

Headteacher Samantha Travis said: “We were extremely disappointed with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection, but fully accepted the findings. 

“Having been recently appointed to post at the time of inspection, I was heartened that inspectors were satisfied that we were already making progress with the work underway to make essential improvements at the school, and our strengths were also recognised.

“Inspectors commented on the positive work being done to support children’s personal development and wellbeing while keeping them safe. 

“They also said that pupils enjoy coming to school, are friendly, polite, and play happily together. 

“Our children feel safe knowing that they can talk to an adult and our pupils enjoy clubs, the residential trip we organise and the range of visitors who come to share their knowledge and experience. 

“Our new leadership team remain focussed on continuing to drive forward the work we are doing to make the required improvements, with additional training being provided for our staff and measures being implemented to address the issues raised in the report. 

“We are confident that this work is delivering positive results, and we remain focussed on developing and delivering the best possible school environment and education for our children.”  

The report reads: “The school does not provide pupils with the education they deserve. 

“Pupils do not learn enough in too many subjects. They have significant gaps in their learning.

It continues: “There has been significant turbulence in the school’s leadership and staffing since the previous inspection. 

“The school, including governors, has been too slow to sort out the widespread weaknesses. 

“The recently appointed school leaders are working with the governing body to
provide some clarity and direction. 

“They have identified the failings of the school. However, it is too soon to see any demonstrable impact.”

You can view the full report here - tinyurl.com/nvbjxpfc