Ripponden Junior and Infant School, located in West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 18 and 19, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of pride among its pupils, who express feelings of happiness and safety within the school environment. The school promotes a family-like atmosphere, where values such as enthusiasm, resilience, kindness, and care are emphasized and understood by both staff and students. Respect is a fundamental aspect of interactions within the school community.
The school is inclusive, with leaders and staff maintaining high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Support is readily available for pupils who may struggle with learning or emotional management, ensuring that they can thrive alongside their peers. Behaviour is generally positive, with pupils focused on their learning. During playtimes, initiatives like buddy benches and play leaders help foster a collaborative and friendly atmosphere, contributing to the rarity of bullying incidents.
Leaders at Ripponden Junior and Infant School are ambitious regarding the educational experiences of their pupils. They are actively developing a curriculum designed to engage and challenge students. A wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs are available, and pupils enthusiastically participate in events such as singing at Young Voices and school musical soirees. However, while the curriculum is being reviewed comprehensively, there are areas that require further development. In subjects like mathematics, leaders have identified key knowledge for pupils to learn and remember, which aids teachers in planning effective lessons. This approach has led to positive attitudes towards mathematics among pupils. Yet, this level of precision in planning is not consistently applied across all classes or subjects.
In other subjects, there is a need for clearer identification of essential knowledge that pupils should retain. This lack of clarity can result in tasks that do not adequately challenge students. Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with high-quality texts being made available to pupils. In key stage two, students express confidence in discussing their reading materials and authors. Early years education is particularly strong, with staff effectively teaching number skills and early reading, ensuring children start their educational journey positively. However, this strong foundation is not always built upon effectively in key stage one, where some lessons lack clarity and do not address misconceptions promptly.
The school’s approach to personal development is commendable, with a focus on mental health and well-being. Initiatives such as yoga in the Reception class and various roles for pupils, including peer mentors and school councillors, help cultivate caring attitudes. The introduction of a new personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum addresses gaps in pupils' understanding of important topics.
Governors play an active role in supporting the school, regularly visiting and providing both challenge and support to leaders. They are mindful of staff welfare, contributing to a positive working environment where staff feel valued. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and address local and national risks. However, there are areas for improvement in record-keeping related to safeguarding and recruitment processes, which need to be more rigorous to ensure that information is readily available when needed.
Overall, Ripponden Junior and Infant School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, personal development, and a supportive learning environment. There are areas identified for improvement, particularly in curriculum clarity and safeguarding record-keeping, which the school is encouraged to address to enhance its overall effectiveness.
