Rivermead School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and students

This is a good school. Leaders and governors have ensured that there has been good progress since the last inspection.

Progress in mathematics has risen rapidly over the last three years, so that by the end of Key Stage 4, some students achieve good GCSE grades. Overall progress in English has also improved. Teaching is consistently good.

Systems to check students' progress are robust, and carefully targeted support is provided for students who are at risk of falling behind other students. Professionals such as the speech and language therapist, who works with students with autism and other complex needs, make a strong contribution to these students' communi...cation and social skills. Additional funding has been used effectively to ensure that gaps are narrowing rapidly for eligible students in English and mathematics.

The sixth form is good. The school has an effective partnership with Mid-Kent College so students make good progress. They are prepared well for their next steps in education, training and work.

Behaviour in the school, as well as in the sixth form, is outstanding. Teachers and teaching assistants create a calm, purposeful environment which promotes students' positive attitudes to learning so students get on well with each other and make good progress. Students say the school is a safe and caring place.

Parents, carers and staff hold similar views. The school supports neighbouring schools through the '6+6' Outreach Centre which supports students at risk of exclusion. Students enjoy the wide variety of themes and subjects that provide plenty of opportunities to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well.

Consequently, their attendance is high. Governors have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses. They provide effective support to ensure the school continues to improve.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Students' writing skills are not improving as rapidly as their mathematical and reading skills. A few important safety policies have not been updated. A few more able students in Key Stage 4 and the sixth form do not have a chance to choose from a broad range of academic subjects.

Information about this school

Rivermead School is a community special school for students aged 11 to 19 years old diagnosed with autism. Most students have underlying speech, language and communication difficulties and some have behaviour, emotional and social difficulties. A few students are physically disabled.

All students have a statement of special educational needs. About a quarter of students are girls; the rest are boys. Almost all students are from White British backgrounds.

About a third of students are supported through the pupil premium. This is above average. This additional government funding is for students who are looked after and for students known to be eligible for free school meals.

The school receives a small amount of additional funding for its students in Year 7. There have been some changes in the school since the last inspection. A new headteacher started in September 2014 and had been in post for about two weeks during this inspection.

A new assistant headteacher joined the senior leadership team in April 2014. The school works closely with several external services and is linked to the community speech and language therapist service. The school has also employed a qualified speech and language therapist.

The sixth form is run through a partnership between the school and Mid-Kent College. Students are not entered early for examinations. The school provides training and support for other local schools through its 6 + 6 Outreach Centre.