St Richard’s Church of England Primary School, located in Ham, Richmond, continues to be recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 1 and 2, 2023. The school is characterized by a calm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere, where pupils express enjoyment in attending. They particularly appreciate the extensive playground area, which fosters social interaction among peers. The sense of safety is palpable, as students trust the adults in the school to support them with any concerns or worries. The school prides itself on being a tight-knit community, with staff at all levels demonstrating a strong understanding of their pupils.
The school’s mission is to encourage all pupils to be bold, bright, and beautiful, with leaders and staff striving for high academic achievement. Recent outcomes for Year 6 pupils have been strong, especially in mathematics, and the school is committed to ensuring that similar successes are achieved across all subjects. Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, showing respect for one another and for adults, and they are consistently polite, confident, and courteous both in and out of lessons.
St Richard’s provides numerous opportunities for pupils to engage with their local community. The school choir participates in community events, including performances at local care homes, and pupils are encouraged to consider the needs of others, exemplified by the school’s food store that supports those in need. The curriculum is generally well-planned and ambitious, aligning with national standards. However, there are areas where the clarity of expectations regarding significant knowledge and vocabulary could be improved, as some subjects do not provide as robust a framework for pupils to build and retain knowledge.
Teaching practices are effective in helping pupils recall prior knowledge, particularly in mathematics, where skills are practiced at the beginning of lessons. In the early years, children are introduced to key concepts and vocabulary through engaging activities. However, there are instances where pupils are presented with too much new information at once, which can hinder their ability to process and retain learning effectively.
The school has established effective systems for identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, utilizing information from home visits and professional advice to tailor the curriculum accordingly. This ensures that these pupils can learn successfully. Early reading is prioritized, with a well-structured phonics program in place. Staff are trained to deliver this program effectively, and pupils receive targeted support to help them catch up if they fall behind.
Pupils actively participate in discussions and collaborate well with one another. Those with special educational needs often select their own resources independently, demonstrating responsibility in their learning. Disruptions to learning are rare, and the school takes proactive measures to address attendance issues.
Leadership opportunities are abundant, with pupils engaging in roles such as school council representatives and house captains. The curriculum is enriched by educational visits and a variety of after-school clubs, which are well-attended. Staff express pride in their association with the school, appreciating the consideration given to their workload and the clear communication regarding deadlines.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in clarifying the curriculum expectations in certain subjects and ensuring that teaching methods allow for optimal information retention. Overall, St Richard’s Church of England Primary School remains a strong educational institution committed to the well-being and academic success of its pupils.
