Primary proud to be a 'kind and caring school'

Rushton Primary School, part of the Pathfinder Schools family, is proud to have been described as a “kind and caring school” by Ofsted, following an inspection last month.

Inspectors commented that the Northamptonshire school is one where pupils “are happy” and “feel safe”, describing “relationships between staff and pupils [as] warm and nurturing” – with one pupil commenting: “My school is special because it feels like a little family.”

Finding the school to be “ambitious”, Ofsted commended “the positive development of several subject areas” at the school – which it rated ‘Good’ overall. It recognised that “the school wants all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, to achieve their full potential.”

Other highlights recognised in the report included:

• “Pupils’ behaviour is a real strength of the school… Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning and want to achieve well.”

• “Children get off to a secure start in the Reception Year… Relationships between staff and children are warm and nurturing.”

• “The school prioritises early reading and phonics … [the] mathematics curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced.”

• “There are clear and effective systems and processes in place for the identification and support of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)… Teachers adapt learning to allow pupils with SEND access to the same ambitious curriculum.”

• “The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain. Pupils demonstrate an age- appropriate understanding of different types of relationships and families.”

• “Pupils enjoy taking part in a range of clubs and can take on extra responsibilities.”

• “The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”

Ofsted highlighted that the school has introduced a number of “improvements to its wider curriculum” recently and recognised the work that has been done to train and support staff with these changes: “Staff feel well-supported with regards to their workload and well-being. Staff highly value the training and collaborative working opportunities they access through the trust.”

Laura Atkinson, Headteacher, Rushton Primary School, said: “I am incredibly proud to be Headteacher of Rushton Primary School and I am enormously grateful to our staff, for their passion and commitment; our parents, for their continued support; and, of course, to our pupils, who make every day here special. As a community, this is a moment to celebrate and to build upon, as we use Ofsted’s constructive feedback to make Rushton an even better school in the future.”

Kim Duff, Deputy CEO, Pathfinder Schools, said: “Congratulations to Laura and her team, who have worked tirelessly to make Rushton such a special place and a school where children thrive. And thank you to our parents and carers, whose support is hugely appreciated.”