Sunderland headteacher incredibly proud after glowing Ofsted report
“Pupils demonstrate a keen appetite for learning and concentrate well in lessons”
Ryhope Junior School headteacher Fiona Lynn said she is “incredibly proud” of pupils after the school received a glowing Ofsted report.
The school was deemed to be at a strong standard for attendance and behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and well being, and at the expected standard for achievement, and curriculum and teaching.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools with, instead, a traffic light report card given ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.
Lead inspector Richard Beadnall was fulsome in his praise of the school’s pupils.
He said: “Pupils' behaviour at Ryhope is excellent. Highly positive relationships and a strong focus on pupils' personal development build a firm foundation for pupils and this creates an environment in which discrimination and poor behaviour are extremely rare.
“Pupils demonstrate a keen appetite for learning and concentrate well in lessons.”
The report also recognised Ryhope’s strong inclusive ethos. Staff were praised for how they “identify pupils’ needs quickly and accurately” and remove barriers to learning effectively, ensuring that all pupils - including those with additional needs - achieve well.
Inspectors also commended the school’s provision for personal development and wellbeing.
Mr Beadnall said: “The very high-quality pastoral support in school has a positive impact on pupils with varying levels of need.
“The school's approach to PSHE also gives pupils a very effective understanding of physical and mental health. Pupils articulate clearly the importance of healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and talk with understanding about the risks of online gaming and how to keep themselves safe when using technology.”
After receiving the report Ms Lynn said: “I’m incredibly proud of our pupils, who live our values every day. The report recognises that ‘pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour, empathy and understanding for one another’, and this is exactly what we strive for at Ryhope. Their commitment to our school values shines through in everything they do.
“This report reflects the dedication, passion and professionalism of our staff. They go above and beyond every single day for our children and families and I’m incredibly proud of the team we have built here at Ryhope.”
The report also praised the school’s leadership team and in particular their development of staff.
Ms Lynn added: “Professional development is a personal value of mine. I firmly believe that when we invest in our staff, we directly improve outcomes for our children. I’m therefore delighted that Ofsted recognised our ‘well-targeted programme of professional development’ which ‘makes considerable and positive difference’ to staff expertise.”
The school’s governing body were also praised for having a clear understanding of the school’s areas of strength and those in need of development.
Chair of Governors, Mrs Stef Jardine-Watson, said: “This is a fantastic report that reflects the hard work of pupils, staff and leaders. Governors are proud to support a school where ambition is so clear and where leaders ‘leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the best possible outcomes for pupils.’ We are delighted to see this recognised by Ofsted.”
The report also highlighted how parents and carers are “overwhelmingly positive about the school” and that school leaders “go to great lengths to support families as well as pupils”.
Earlier this week, children and staff marked the publication of the Ofsted report with a celebratory ice cream.
Pupil places are currently available in all year groups. You can find out more by contacting the school.