Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School rated 'good' by Ofsted with praise for its secure and accepting environment

Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School, which has 267 pupils, was inspected on May 18-19 this year, with inspectors finding it to be ‘good’ across all categories: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

The school was last inspected in February 2017, and since then there has been several changes to staffing, including the appointment of a new headteacher.

What does Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School do particularly well according to Ofsted?

Inspectors says that pupils at the school “feel happy and safe”, have positive relationships with staff, and particularly enjoy the opportunities to take part in outdoor learning they are offered.

Ofsted continues to say that leaders have high expectations for pupils’ learning and behaviour, including SEND, with this ambition being “reflected in the school’s values” which pupils follow “with pride.”

The report added: “Pupils want to do their best and leaders have ensured that lessons are not disrupted. Pupils told inspectors that when there are incidents of poor behaviour or bullying, staff deal with these quickly and effectively. This allows pupils to focus on their learning.”

In terms of the curriculum, Ofsted says it is “broad” and “ambitious”, with leaders being clear on what the essential knowledge pupils need to know is.

Reading has also been made a priority, as has the need to learn about different faiths and cultures, and understand the importance of treating everyone equally.

In addition, a quiet space is provided for pupils if they are not ready to learn, which “helps them to learn how to manage their emotions and behaviour” and reduces disruption to others.

The report added there is a strong culture of safeguarding in the school, with regular training for staff, quick support for vulnerable pupils, and education on knife crime and online dangers.

What does Ofsted think Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School can improve on?

Inspectors noted that in a small number of subjects, curriculums are “still relatively new and leaders have not checked how well these curriculums are being delivered”, meaning pupils’ learning is not as secure in these subjects, and so more monitoring of the delivery is needed.

The report added that leaders have not ensured that staff in some subjects have subject-specific training in how to deliver some aspects of the curriculum, hindering their ability to design learning for pupils.

What does Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School say?

"We are delighted to have maintained our Good status following our recent inspection and enjoyed having the opportunity to show the inspectors our exciting new curriculum and the inclusive, life changing experiences we are delivering to our amazing pupils. At RAMJS, it is our mission to provide 'Brighter futures built with Ambition, Courage and Respect; filled with Love, Hope and Faith.' and we feel that our Ofsted Inspectors gained a fantastic insight into life at RAMJS

“The latest Ofsted report follows a successful Siams Inspection (Nov 21) in which school was also graded Good. As a school it is wonderful to have our hard work recognised.”

When will Ofsted next inspect Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School?

Ofsted usually inspect good schools every four years or at any time if they have concerns.