Top marks for Royal Cross deaf school

Royal Cross deaf school in Ashton has been ranked outstanding by Ofsted

A primary school for deaf children has been awarded to marks by inspectors.

Royal Cross School in Ashton-on-Ribble has once again been ranked as outstanding after Ofsted inspectors visited on June 18.

The school, in Elswick Drive, was first ranked as outstanding in 2015, and last month inspectors said the leadership has maintained the quality in the school.

The report said: “The school provides an oasis of calm and support in which pupils thrive and develop their self-esteem, resilience and independence. Arrangements for transition to secondary education are secure.

“Pupils move on to the next stages of education with confidence. Staff responses to the recent online questionnaire survey indicate that their morale is high.

“Staff appreciate the consideration that governors give to them regarding staff workload.”

The report said Royal Cross has a strong culture of safeguarding, and pupils are taught to communicate orally as well as using British Sign Language, from the early years.

Headteacher Beverley Hennefer said: “I am absolutely delighted that our school has been recognised by OFSTED as a continuing outstanding school this term.

“The children, staff and Governors work extremely hard to make sure that all our children achieve their very best and I am proud to be Headteacher of such a dedicated and enthusiastic team.

“I would also like to thank all of our families who work tirelessly to support the children and school.

“This has been an ‘Outstanding’ achievement for everyone who is a part of our community. We are now looking forward to developing and extending our Outstanding Early Years provision and forging closer working partnerships with the local Deaf Resource provision at Ashton Community Science College.

“We are constantly striving to improve Royal Cross in all areas and we are extremely excited about the developing provision of deaf education within Lancashire.

“Well done everyone!”