Ryecroft Academy, located in Farnley, Leeds, underwent an inspection on September 17-18, 2019, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and early years provision were also rated as good, while personal development and leadership and management were rated as outstanding. This marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection in May 2017, where the school was rated as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Ryecroft Academy are reported to be very happy and feel safe within the school environment. The headteacher and staff have fostered a caring and nurturing atmosphere that supports pupils in achieving well academically. Pupils excel in core subjects such as reading, mathematics, and writing, although there are areas, particularly in geography and science, where retention of information could be improved. The early years provision is effective, with children settling quickly into Nursery and Reception classes, laying a solid foundation for their learning journey.
Behavior among pupils is generally good, with rare incidents of bullying. Pupils are aware that staff are available to support them with any concerns, including bullying. The school promotes healthy living and the qualities necessary for becoming successful citizens. Relationships with parents and the local community have strengthened, with many parents expressing satisfaction with the improvements made over the past two years. However, a small number of parents of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have expressed less positive views. The school has made efforts to address the needs of these pupils, with careful planning and support in place.
The leadership at Ryecroft Academy is notably strong, with the headteacher and other leaders implementing substantial improvements across the school. There are clear plans for further development, and governors are actively involved in monitoring the school's progress. The Gorse Academy Trust has played a crucial role in supporting the school, providing training and resources that have enhanced teaching quality and leadership capacity.
Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities for personal development, including roles such as school councillors and LGBTQ ambassadors, which help them understand democracy and diversity. The school also emphasizes physical and mental well-being through various programs, including sports, healthy lifestyle education, yoga, and mindfulness activities. The school has established effective communication with parents, providing newsletters and workshops to keep them informed and engaged in their children's education.
Despite the positive aspects, the school recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas. While the curriculum in subjects like geography and science has been sequenced, pupils are not retaining knowledge as effectively as in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school is working to embed assessment practices to ensure that pupils acquire and remember essential knowledge in these subjects. Additionally, efforts to build confidence among parents of pupils with special educational needs and to improve attendance for younger pupils are ongoing.
The outdoor learning area has been recently developed to enhance early years education, and plans for its effective use are in progress. Although the proportion of children achieving a good level of development by the end of Reception has increased, further improvements are necessary to ensure that more children are adequately prepared for Year 1. Overall, Ryecroft Academy demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils, with a strong foundation for future success.
