Doing the Right Thing to Be the Best You Can Be: Highlights from Ryders Hayes Ofsted Report
- Natalie Davies
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
At Ryders Hayes, our motto—"doing the right thing to be the best you can be"—is more than
just a phrase. It’s the foundation of everything we do, and we’re proud that our recent
Ofsted inspection reflected that so positively across our whole school community.
A Strong Start in the Early Years
Our journey begins in the Early Years, where Ofsted highlighted our children’s “keenness to
learn, cooperate and talk.” From collecting words to singing rhymes, our youngest learners
are immersed in communication and language right from the start—laying strong foundations for future success. These early efforts echo the EEF’s evidence-based guidance, which emphasises the importance of high-quality interactions in supporting early development.
Inclusion at Its Best
The report praises our exceptional support for pupils with SEND, noting how well we
understand and meet individual needs. Inspectors shared “many humbling moments” as
they observed how both staff and children come together with empathy and care. No
barrier—whether emotional, physical, or medical—stands in the way of a child’s success at
Ryders Hayes.
Reading: A Window to the World
Reading is a passion across our school. Ofsted recognised the richness of our reading
culture, where stories are used to explore deep and meaningful topics—from racism to
illness. One child summed it up perfectly:
“It gives you a whole new world without leaving your current world, and all by the turn of a
page.”
A Curriculum That Connects
Our carefully sequenced curriculum is built around 12 ‘knowledge categories’—giving
children clear hooks for learning and helping them make meaningful links across subjects.
From Spanish writing to measuring area in maths, children are confidently applying their
knowledge in purposeful ways.
Growth Mindset & Aspirations
We’re proud of our school-wide focus on growth mindset and helping children understand
“the power of yet.” Our careers programme, which starts in Early Years, is a standout feature
—helping children from a young age understand their potential and begin to dream big
about their futures.
Wellbeing and Leadership
From our bereavement support station to our pupil leadership team, we nurture not only
achievement but also character. Pupils have a deep respect for others, express emotions
powerfully through art and words, and actively contribute to school life. Ofsted described
this as children “contributing strongly,” and we couldn’t be prouder.
A Team Effort
Staff wellbeing and professional development were also noted as key strengths, with Ofsted
recognising the wide range of training and support available. Parents, too, shared their
appreciation, describing Ryders Hayes as a place where “children flourish and become
confident, well-rounded individuals.”
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