Ravenscroft Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils at Ravenscroft Primary School thrive in an ambitious and nurturing environment.

They enjoy their learning and are eager to share their knowledge. From the early years, children develop strong learning behaviours, such as listening attentively and working collaboratively. Pupils behave exceptionally well in lessons and around the school.

They are polite, respectful and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility towards one another.

The school has very high expectations for all pupils. These expectations are reflected in the excellent work that pupils produce across the curriculum.

The school is also highly inclusive. Pupils with special educa...tional needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported, particularly those with autism. The school's specialist provision ensures that these pupils access the curriculum successfully.

Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the support that their children receive.

Pupils feel safe at school and know who to talk to if they have any worries. They get along well and disagreements are rare.

If any concerns do arise, leaders act quickly to resolve them. The school offers an exciting variety of enrichment activities, such as trips, residential experiences and leadership opportunities. Pupils enjoy taking on roles like 'playground buddies' and 'learning ambassadors,' which help to create a strong sense of community.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has developed an exceptionally ambitious curriculum that is well structured and carefully sequenced from the early years to Year 6. It has clearly defined the knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn and the order in which they should learn them. The school is highly effective in ensuring that its curriculum enables pupils to build a deep knowledge of all subjects over time.

Across subjects, pupils achieve highly.

The curriculum is expertly delivered by staff. They use highly effective questioning to check pupils' understanding and address any misconceptions swiftly.

Regular opportunities to revisit prior learning help pupils to retain key knowledge. This is evident in subjects such as history, for example, where pupils confidently explain how past events influence the present.

Reading is a high priority.

The school's phonics programme is delivered consistently well. Pupils quickly become fluent and assured readers. Pupils who need extra help at the early stages of learning to read receive effective support.

The school helps them to catch up quickly. This strong foundation in reading enables pupils to access the wider curriculum with confidence. Across the school, pupils engage enthusiastically with a rich variety of texts, which fosters a love of reading.

The school provides exceptional support for pupils with SEND. It has ensured that pupils' needs are swiftly identified and adaptations are made so that all pupils can access the full curriculum. The school's specialist provision for pupils with autism provides particularly high-quality support, with the school creating ambitious 'pathways' for pupils' learning.

Staff receive high-quality training and work closely with external specialists to meet pupils' individual needs. As a result, pupils with SEND achieve highly.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

They are highly engaged in their learning and conduct themselves exceptionally well around the school. Low-level disruption is extremely rare. The school sets clear expectations, which pupils follow diligently.

The school has taken robust action to improve attendance. It carefully analyses patterns of absence and works closely with families to address any barriers. As a result, attendance is improving.

Leaders continue to prioritise this work and there is a sustained upward trend in attendance. The school works very effectively with external agencies to support pupils and families.

The school provides an extensive range of opportunities to develop pupils' character and broader interests.

A well-planned approach to promoting pupils' personal development ensures that pupils learn about topics such as healthy relationships, mental well-being and responsible citizenship. Pupils are encouraged to think critically and debate important issues. There is a strong emphasis on inclusion and respect.

The school celebrates diversity through the curriculum, alongside a rich array of events and assemblies. Pupils develop an appreciation of different cultures and traditions. They take pride in their responsibilities, such as mentoring younger pupils and leading initiatives to improve the school environment.

Pupils thoroughly enjoy being able to join in with an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, including music, sports and drama. The school ensures that all pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can take part. Leaders, including those responsible for governance, are highly ambitious for all pupils.

They have established a clear vision for the school, which is shared by staff, pupils and parents.

Staff feel well supported. The school takes proactive steps to ensure that workload is manageable.

High-quality professional development equips teachers with the expertise to deliver the curriculum effectively. The school makes good use of the expertise within the trust to strengthen subject leadership and provide additional support where needed.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.