Ofsted says:

(March 2008)

• Summary
  This was an announced key inspection. The visit was conducted to assess the school's commitment to providing good outcomes for children in relation to the National Minimum Standards and best practice. The school demonstrates its commitment to a focus on the 'Every Child Matters' outcomes through its policies, procedures and guidance to staff, care planning and its implementation and the provision of essential resources. The pupils are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle and are supported to do so through excellent catering, providing a sensible healthy eating programme, good personal care and regular physical exercise. The safeguarding practice is very good. There are security features to protect the pupils whilst on the premises, risk assessments for off-site activities and staff are appropriately trained to respond to threats to the pupils' welfare. The staff have a very good understanding of the children's needs, relate well to the children and work in partnership with the parents. The school's decision to create a post of 'family liaison officer' has considerably enhanced the communication between the school and parents, and vice versa, and in so doing has enriched the support the staff are able to provide the pupils. There is good care planning practice and the implementation of the plans is regularly monitored and reviewed. It is a well managed school that supports the staff to attain the knowledge and skills to work effectively with the pupils and it continues to provide a high quality of care and social education for the young people.
  The overall quality rating is outstanding.
  This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

• Helping children to be healthy
  The provision is outstanding.

• Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
  The provision is outstanding.

• Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do
  The provision is outstanding.

The organisation of the care staff rota supports the principle of good interdisciplinary practice and cooperation. The pupils respond to, and benefit from, the support given by the care staff to the education staff within the classroom setting and other curriculum activities such as physical education.

• Helping children make a positive contribution
  The provision is good.
  The pupils have a range of opportunities to express their opinions and engage in consultation. This can be done informally throughout the day and formally through the school council and daily post school meeting.

Ofsted says:

• Ripplevale School provides well for its pupils.
• Pupils make good progress because the curriculum is good.
• The school works effectively to ensure pupils stay safe and healthy, enjoy school and achieve well, make a contribution back to their local and wider communities and become equipped for their economic well- being.
• The school provides well for pupils personal development and academic achievement and they make good progress.
• It cares for and safeguards its pupils very effectively.
• The close family atmosphere helps pupils feel that they belong to a community for which they are responsible and to which they should contribute.

(Taken from November 2006 Ofsted Report.)

Click here for Ofsted report of inspection

Previous Inspection Reports

1. Ofsted report of inspection
2. Ofsted Social Inspection Report