Ramsbottom Stubbins Primary School, located in Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire, has undergone an ungraded inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024. The overall judgement remains good, but evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The school is preparing for its next graded inspection. Pupils at the school are noted for their courteous behavior and positive relationships with staff, which contribute to a welcoming environment. They feel safe and valued, knowing they can share concerns with trusted adults. The atmosphere in the school is calm, with pupils responding well to behavioral expectations and routines. They strive to embody the school’s values and appreciate recognition for their positive choices.
The school encourages hard work and focus on learning, with ambitions for high achievement. However, some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, struggle to retain knowledge in certain subjects due to inconsistent delivery of the recently updated curriculum. Pupils are aware of online safety and enjoy various extracurricular activities that allow them to explore their interests, such as choir and computing competitions. The school has made significant changes to its curriculum, which is ambitious and clearly outlines learning objectives. Staff have received high-quality training in some subjects, positively impacting pupil achievement, especially in early years education.
Despite these advancements, there are areas needing improvement. In subjects where staff have not received adequate training, there is a lack of understanding on how to effectively deliver the new curriculum and assess pupil learning. This inconsistency affects the knowledge retention of pupils, including those with SEND, hindering their overall achievement. Reading is a strong focus, with early years and key stage one pupils enjoying stories that enhance their communication skills. However, support for struggling readers is insufficient, preventing them from catching up quickly enough to fully engage with the curriculum.
The school has a clear process for identifying the needs of pupils with SEND, but there are instances where this information is not utilized effectively in teaching. Consequently, some pupils do not achieve their potential. Early years children demonstrate good behavior and social skills, learning to share and collaborate. Attendance has been a priority, with the school actively engaging with parents to address reasons for absences, leading to a reduction in persistent absenteeism.
Pupils participate in various competitive sports and are encouraged to express their emotions, which supports their mental health. However, their understanding of the personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is underdeveloped due to inconsistent teaching. The school has engaged staff in curriculum changes, helping manage workloads, and governors maintain an accurate view of the school’s priorities for improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring pupil safety and well-being. To improve, the school must provide sufficient training for staff to deliver the new curriculum effectively and support struggling readers more efficiently. Additionally, staff need to adapt their teaching for pupils with SEND to enhance their learning experience. The school should also ensure that all aspects of the PSHE curriculum are taught consistently to prepare pupils for life in modern society. Overall, while Ramsbottom Stubbins Primary School has made commendable progress, addressing these areas will be crucial for future success.
