River Centre 3-16 Learning Community

Highlights from Latest Inspection

The River Centre 3-16 Learning Community was established following the closure of the local authority PRU.

Based on two main campuses the school largely operates as separate entities. The result is that there are significant differences in systems, procedures, and processes between sites. The school does not operate as a cohesive organisation.

The systematic collection, collation and analysis of key school performance information is extremely under-developed. This seriously impedes the ability of leaders to both report to, and be held accountable by, the governing body. Pupils that attend the school have faced significant challenges in mainstream settings.

Overall, the progress that pupils make in their learning a...nd well-being is stronger for pupils that attend the primary campus and Ty Afon, than for those that attend the secondary campus. The positive aspects of provision that are found on the primary campus and Ty Afon are generally not found on the secondary campus. For example, the curriculum on the secondary campus is not sufficiently broad or balanced and does not prepare pupils well enough for their next stage of life and learning.

In addition, the quality of the learning environment, including the culture, varies considerably across the campuses. Over the past 18 months, there have been significant and wholesale changes to governance, leadership and staffing and these have had a detrimental impact on the learning experiences, well-being and outcomes for pupils. Staff too have been affected by these changes but generally remain committed to the pupils.

Pupils at the secondary campus experienced significant disruption to their education during the spring term of 2022. Senior leaders at the time determined that for health and safety reasons pupils should not attend the school and arrangements were made for them to attend alternative providers. Overall, attendance at these providers was low.

Year 11 pupils missed a crucial part of their education whilst preparing to sit examinations. This is a significant cause for concern. Overall, the school has failed to provide an acceptable standard of education for some of the most vulnerable pupils in Wales.

Recommendations R1 Address those issues identified in the health and safety letter R2 Establish a clear purpose and vision for the school and implement a staffing structure that is fit for purpose and adequately reflects roles and responsibilities R3 Ensure that the curriculum is sufficiently engaging, broad and balanced and prepares pupils well for their next stage in life and learning R4 Improve the behaviour of pupils, particularly on the secondary campus R5 Improve the quality of the learning environment and culture, particularly on the secondary campus R6 Improve the outcomes for pupils, particularly those on the secondary campus R7 Establish systems, procedures and routines across the school that are clearly understood by staff and relevant partners What happens next In accordance with the Education Act 2005, HMCI is of the opinion that special measures are required in relation to this school. The school will draw up an action plan showing how it is going to address the recommendations. Estyn will monitor the school's progress on a termly basis.