Ravenor Primary School, located in Greenford, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 7 and 8, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of pride among its pupils, who respect and value each other's diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. The staff maintain high expectations for all students, contributing to a calm and orderly environment where pupils feel safe and secure. Incidents of bullying are infrequent, and pupils are encouraged to voice any concerns, knowing that staff will address them effectively.
The school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities aimed at nurturing pupils' talents and interests, including football, debating, and choir. Additionally, students have opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as reading ambassadors and cyber mentors. Educational visits to places like the Imperial War Museum and local places of worship enrich the academic curriculum, providing practical learning experiences.
Ravenor Primary School has designed an ambitious curriculum that aligns with national expectations. Pupils engage actively in their lessons, demonstrating a strong work ethic and taking pride in their achievements. The curriculum is structured to prepare students for their next educational stages, with a focus on building foundational knowledge through sequenced learning. For instance, in dance, pupils start with simple movements before progressing to more complex routines, while in mathematics, early years students practice counting with tangible objects before advancing to larger numbers.
However, the inspection highlighted areas for improvement. In some subjects, the curriculum lacks the necessary breakdown into smaller, manageable steps, which can hinder pupils' understanding and retention of essential knowledge. This gap sometimes leads to misconceptions that are not promptly addressed, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders are encouraged to refine the curriculum design to ensure that all pupils, including those with additional needs, can deepen their understanding before moving on to more complex concepts.
Reading is prioritized from the early years, with staff trained to deliver a phonics program effectively. Pupils have ample opportunities to practice reading with books that match their phonetic knowledge, and those who struggle receive timely support to help them catch up. The school has cultivated a reading culture, with frequent author visits and discussions about literature, motivating pupils to read widely and enjoy being read to.
Behaviour throughout the school is generally calm and focused, with minimal disruptions to learning. Records indicate that incidents of misbehaviour are rare and managed effectively. The curriculum also addresses pupils' wider development, teaching them about safety, health, and respectful relationships, including online safety.
Staff members express satisfaction with their work environment and the support they receive, with leaders actively managing workloads to prevent burnout. The governing body is aware of the school's strengths and has identified appropriate areas for further improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ravenor Primary School are effective, with leaders prioritizing pupil safety and well-being. Staff are trained to recognize signs of potential harm and understand the reporting procedures for any concerns. Pupils feel secure in the knowledge that they can approach adults with any worries.
Overall, while Ravenor Primary School demonstrates many strengths, particularly in its curriculum and supportive environment, there are areas that require attention to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential. The school is committed to continuous improvement, aiming to enhance the educational experience for every student.
