Primary schools keep up good standards

TWO neighbouring Shaw schools have retained their good ratings after one-day visits by the education watchdog Ofsted.

St Mary's CE, High Crompton, and Rushcroft primary schools received separate short inspections, reserved for schools which were previously judged to be good.

Both were found to have maintained their good quality of education and their arrangements for making sure pupils are kept safe is effective.

The inspectors described the "care and support for pupils" as a strength of Rushcroft Primary in Trent Road.

The academic standards achieved by pupils in 2016 were above those from similar backgrounds, while the disadvantaged and most vulnerable children are well cared for.

Staff have high expectations of pupils, who are described as "polite, confident and proud of their achievements" and teaching has improved. Ofsted also praised strong links with other local primaries. In a letter to head teacher Jane Sheridan, inspector Amanda Stringer added: "You have established a leadership team full of energy, drive and ambition to improve outcomes for pupils."

Actions

"You have evaluated the effectiveness of the school correctly and have clear actions for further improvements."

At St Mary's, inspectors praised an improvement in pupils' achievements in maths.

Inspector Tim Vaughan said: "Pupils continue to achieve well across subjects during their time at the school.

"They are given many opportunities to develop their individual interests and skills, for example by joining the successful school choir or by attending extra activities such as the information and communication technology club."