Riverside School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Since the previous inspection, leaders have left no stone unturned in their work to improve pupils' outcomes.

Their well-focused actions have paid dividends. Pupils now receive an outstanding education, which is highly personalised to their individual needs. Across the school, behaviour is exemplary.

Pupils are polite and respectful to adults and to each other. Staff know exactly how to help pupils feel secure and manage their behaviour. Teaching is imaginative and fun.

Teachers plan tasks that are closely matched to pupils' needs. Pupils try hard and maintain high levels of concentration. Pupils make exceptional progress... from their starting points.

A rich and inviting curriculum, which uses the school's strengths in the expressive and performing arts, makes a significant contribution to pupils' personal development and other outcomes. Governors are well informed about all aspects of the school's work. They hold leaders to account rigorously, so that the quality of education is continually strengthened.

However, the systems for leaders and governors to identify areas for improvement are not always used sharply enough. Leadership of the early years provision is highly effective. Children benefit from high-quality teaching and excellent levels of pastoral care.

As a result, they make exceptional progress. The sixth-form provision is excellent. Through the personalised curriculum, students have plentiful opportunities to develop and apply their skills, for instance through community projects and work experience.

Students are prepared exceptionally well for their next steps. Leaders have ensured a culture of safeguarding that permeates throughout the school. Parents and carers praise the school's work to keep their children safe and ensure that they are well cared for.

As one parent put it: 'My son loves school and the care and support he is given is utterly amazing.' Leaders and staff have an in-depth knowledge of each pupil's needs. They are skilled in planning and providing bespoke levels of support so that pupils flourish, both academically and in their personal development.

Strong partnerships with external agencies contribute well to this work.

Information about this school

Riverside School caters for pupils who have severe or complex special educational needs and/or disabilities. It is situated over two sites, Riverside St.

Paul's Cray and Riverside Beckenham. All pupils have an education, health and care plan or are in the process of assessment. One in three pupils is eligible for pupil premium funding.

The number of pupils on roll has increased significantly over the past few years. The school now admits pupils from the age of three years old. The school does not use any alternative provision.