Ribchester school praised

1:19pm Monday 30th June 2008

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OFSTED has praised a Ribble Valley school which is ‘at the heart of its community’.

Inspectors were impressed by the ‘excellent’ attitudes of pupils at St Wilfrid’s CE Primary in Ribchester, who they said developed into ‘mature, rounded individuals with a strong social conscience’.

Their report said it was a good school and gave particular praise to the ‘outstanding’ leadership of its headteacher Cathy Thomas, and ‘first rate support provided by an excellent governing body’.

Mrs Thomas, who joined the Church Street school two years ago, said: “We knew that the school had made great progress since the last Osfsted inspection in 2004, and the report confirms it.

“We also had a church school inspection by the diocese at the same time, and they gave us an outstanding, report, so we’re delighted with both of them.”

Ofsted said pupils enjoyed school becasue they felt well cared for and safe, and they were actively involved in their own learning, which resulted in good attendance and excellent behaviour.

“They treat others with care and respect at all times,” the report said.

Good teaching and excellent relationships betwen staff and children means standards have also risen to above average, although more able students are not always being challenged enough and the curriculum was rated as satisfactory.

One of the few weaknesses identified was the need for pupils’ greater understanding of today’s multi-cultural society.

Mrs Thomas added: “We had identified this, but we didn’t want just a ‘bolt-on’ measure, so we are currently planning to link up with a Burnley school which has a muc more diverse pupil population.”