Hat trick of outstanding Ofsted ratings

Redwood School staff and pupils with Head Teacher Stuart Pidgeon

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A secondary, primary and nursery school in the borough have been rated as “outstanding” in all areas by Ofsted.

The official inspections gave glowing reports to staff and pupils at Redwood Secondary School, Rochdale; St Thomas More Primary School, Alkrington and Sunny Brow Nursery School, Middleton.

Following its inspection of Redwood School, Ofsted commented: “Redwood is an outstanding school. The sixth form is equally outstanding. Under inspired leadership, management and governance it has improved since the last inspection and is in a good position to keep building on its strengths.

“The school is highly respected and appreciated by parents and carers.

“Pupils achieve outstandingly well because they are exceptionally well taught. They work very hard and with great enthusiasm. Individuals are expertly supported in their learning and behaviour and relationships between adults and pupils are excellent.”

Head Teacher, Stuart Pidgeon, said: “I would like to thank staff for their total dedication and commitment, parents and governors for their wonderful support and pupils for being the inspiration for us all.

“I consider it to be a privilege to be Head Teacher of such as outstanding team which makes us an outstanding school.”

St Thomas More RC Primary school in Alkrington was also judged to be outstanding in every category by Ofsted inspectors who said: “Pupils thrive in a highly cohesive learning community and are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education through the wide range of spiritual, moral, social and cultural experiences that are on offer.

“The quality of teaching is outstanding throughout the school. The use of assessment to raise achievement in literacy is exemplary.”

Head Teacher, Don McCorriston, said “The school’s mission is to turn potential into achievement and I believe the inspection proved we are doing what we can so that every child can be the very best they can be.

“I am delighted for the school and the children. It reflects the hard work put in every day by teachers, parents and pupils and I am glad that the new vigorous inspection framework applied by Ofsted has recognised the commitment from all our school community.”

Sunny Brow Nursery School has been awarded outstanding status by Ofsted for the third consecutive time.

The inspectors commented that children at Sunny Brow achieve exceptionally well, whatever their ability, interests or circumstances, with most children leaving with skills that are above, or well above, those typically achieved by four-year-olds.

They also noted that the children are unfailingly polite, understand about taking turns and behave exceptionally well. Above all, they thoroughly enjoy themselves!

The quality of teaching was judged to be outstanding with leadership and management of the highest quality underpinning the first-rate opportunities provided to children.

Head Teacher Julie White said: “The staff, parents, children and governors are all really proud of their school and work hard to maintain its quality and high standards.

“We were delighted that Ofsted recognised our determination to remain at the forefront of early years practice which has resulted in us maintaining our high quality over many years.”

Cheryl Eastwood, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council, added: “These excellent results are testament to the efforts of everyone at Redwood, St Thomas More and Sunny Brow.

“With so many young people around the borough showing great ability and commitment, I am confident that Rochdale has a strong platform to build for the future.”