Commenting on the report, Daryl Hill, Headteacher, said, ‘Everyone is delighted and very proud - it is such a great endorsement of everything we have built so far. It’s testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, and our wonderful pupils who make everything we do so rewarding. Ryecroft is a highly inclusive school where everyone is welcome and everyone can achieve.’
The inspectors commended the school for the ‘unwavering belief that all pupils can succeed’ which ‘permeates every aspect of daily routines’, and recognised that the ‘staff, proprietors and governors share this clear moral purpose’ and that ‘as a result, pupils thrive, irrespective of their starting points’. The ‘school identifies pupils’ needs quickly and accurately’; ‘staff work closely with parents, carers and external agencies to ensure that pupils receive the best provision’ and ‘in everything the school does, pupils’ needs, interests and abilities are carefully considered’.
Ryecroft was applauded for its ‘exemplary programme for pupils’ personal development’, in which they ‘learn how to keep healthy and safe’, with ‘pupils currently planning their own vegetable garden and chicken coop to further support this learning’. The report said pupils also ‘learn what it is to be a good friend and to show kindness, and ‘never to look down on people unless they are ‘holding their hands down to help them back up’.
There was additional praise for the ‘Ryecroft passport’, which incudes ‘112 opportunities for pupils to build character and resilience and experience the world around them’ and that pupils ‘helped shape these activities, based on their interests’. It was noted that ‘where pupils have specific talents, the school ensures that they have every opportunity to excel’.
The inspectors commented that pupils contributed to school life through ‘a wide range of leadership roles and responsibilities, while developing important life skills’ preparing them ‘exceptionally well for their lives beyond school, including the world of work’. They also commented on the ‘Jets’ (junior executive team) helping to make important decisions’ within the school.
The report recognised that the ‘school has ensured that the curriculum is ambitious’ and ‘organised into small steps of learning’. It stated that the careful assessment of ‘what pupils already know, and personalised learning to match each pupil’s next steps, build on what they have learned previously’, and all ‘pupils benefitted from the very personalised approach to their learning and development’.
The inspectors reported that, ‘pupils behaved well, and learnt how to communicate their needs’ and ‘staff listen carefully’. Staff were praised for ‘patiently helping pupils to manage their behaviour’ and ‘intervening effectively when they spotted signs that pupils might need support’. The report also stated that ‘activities, resources and the environment are tailored to ensure that learning is calm and purposeful’ with ‘social stories used to prepare pupils for new experiences’.
For more information please visit ryecroftschool.co.uk.
1 Ofsted no longer awards schools with a single overall grade of: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. This change was implemented in September 2024. Instead, inspectors assess and provide grades for the sub-categories: ‘quality of education’, ‘behaviour and attitudes’, ‘personal development’, and ‘leadership and management’.
