Grade Ruan Primary School in Cornwall latest Ofsted report

Grade Ruan C of E Primary School, nestled in the heart of the Ruan Minor community in Cornwall, was visited by inspectors on June 4 and 5.

While the school's recent Ofsted report downgraded it from "good" to "requires improvement" overall, Grade Ruan C of E Primary School was complimented for its values of aspiration, respect, wisdom, and relationships, and continues its dedicated work to improve the curriculum.

The school was rated 'good' for behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, but 'requies improvement' on quality of education and early years provision. 

Jane Talbot, headteacher of Grade Ruan C of E School, said she is "excited" to see what adventures lie ahead for the school in the new academic year.

"I am delighted that Ofsted acknowledged we are an improving, inclusive, and welcoming place to learn in the heart of the Ruan Minor community.

“Our Lizard curriculum is already having a positive effect, especially in the core subjects of reading, writing, and maths, which were judged strong.

“With the continued support of the Aspire Academy Trust, which we joined in January 2023, we are determined to build on this success so learning outcomes are consistently excellent for all children across all subjects.

“There is still work to be done, but with secure foundation blocks and caring, hard-working staff, we are excited to see what adventures lie ahead for Grade Ruan in the new academic year."

In the report inspectors noted that the school is helping pupils learn to work and play together well, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities or pupils who are disadvantaged. As a result, the school is a "welcoming place to come and learn for all pupils."

The report also mentions that the school is working to improve the curriculum, particularly in English and maths, with support from Aspire Academy Trust. 

Inspectors said that "due to the amount that needs to improve, pupils do not learn consistently well across all subjects and in the early years." This includes subjects such as history, art, music, and geography, which inspectors described as "limited" for pupils.

Despite this, inspectors praised the pupils for taking pride in their work and behaving well. They also state that "pupils could do more because more could be expected of them."

The report acknowledges that both the school and the trust have "worked together effectively to turn around a previous decline in standards," and that since the school joined the trust, "both have utilised the opportunity to improve the curriculum systematically and determinedly."

However, inspectors mentioned that other aspects of the school's curriculum "are not as secure" and said that both the school and trust know "there is a lot to do."

The report said that both the school and trust have planned carefully to ensure they improve the right things, in the right order, and at the right pace. However, inspectors said that although the school now has clear, sequenced plans for all subjects, the "implementation and impact remain too varied."

An example shared by an inspector said: "The trust has taken effective action to improve how provision in the early years is organised and the quality of resources available to support children to learn through their play. However, staff do not consistently help children learn vocabulary with precision."

Inspectors noted that resources selected to support learning are not chosen carefully enough, which "limits how much children learn," including significant gaps for older children in their knowledge of some subjects.

While inspectors praised Grade Ruan School teachers for their use of English and mathematics assessment "effectively," they said that the approach to assessment in other subjects is "newer" and "not so refined."

The report complements the school on its enthusiasm for reading, and the school's "distinctive ethos" which runs through all aspects of school life. It adds: "The school has ensured that the curriculum extends well beyond the academic and that all pupils have equal access to what is on offer.

"For example, pupils participate in trips, visits, and clubs and are encouraged to do so.

“Pupils are supported to be mentally and physically happy in a range of ways.

"They enjoy the opportunity to learn to sail, for example. They understand why water safety is particularly relevant to help them stay safe."

The full report can be found on the Ofsted website, URN 140632.