The Ridge Primary School, located in Wollaston, Stourbridge, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 3 and 4, 2023. The school provides a positive educational experience for its pupils, who enjoy their time at school and achieve commendable results, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. The teaching staff effectively tailors tasks to meet the diverse needs of all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This inclusive approach allows all pupils to engage with the curriculum and excel in their learning.
Pupils at The Ridge are well aware of the school’s expectations, which emphasize being ready, respectful, and responsible. They demonstrate maturity by taking on various responsibilities, such as serving as reading ambassadors and members of the school council. Older students also support younger children as buddies, fostering a sense of community and care within the school environment. The school prioritizes the safety and well-being of its pupils, who feel secure and understand how to protect themselves from potential dangers. Engaging curriculum activities, including drama performances on internet safety and outdoor learning experiences, contribute to their personal development and enjoyment of school life.
Despite the school’s strengths, there are areas for improvement. The previous year saw a higher turnover of staff, which some parents felt unsettled their children, particularly in the Kindergarten year group. Concerns were also raised regarding the consistency of leadership in special educational needs provision. The school is committed to addressing these issues by working closely with parents to rebuild trust and ensure that all pupils' needs are met effectively.
The Ridge Primary School has recently adopted a new curriculum approach, allowing for deeper coverage of subjects. This change has enabled pupils to connect new learning with prior knowledge, enhancing their understanding. However, the school has yet to establish robust systems to assess gaps in knowledge and ensure that pupils retain what they learn across all subjects. Staff are adept at identifying pupils with special educational needs early on, and they provide tailored resources and adaptations to support these students in their learning.
Reading is a notable strength of the school, with pupils exposed to a wide range of literature and encouraged to engage with reading through various initiatives. The phonics program lays a solid foundation for reading skills, and regular assessments ensure that pupils receive the necessary support. The school’s libraries and classrooms are well-stocked with high-quality books, promoting a culture of reading that positively impacts pupils' writing and overall academic performance.
Behaviour management is handled fairly and consistently, with clear expectations set from the early years. Pupils demonstrate good conduct in lessons and during breaks, showing enthusiasm for learning and respect for one another. The school fosters active citizenship, encouraging pupils to participate in after-school clubs and educational visits that broaden their horizons and understanding of the world.
Governors play an active role in supporting the school, although there are instances where they could work more strategically with senior leaders to mitigate the impact of staff changes on pupil welfare. Staff express pride in their work at The Ridge and appreciate the support they receive regarding workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school must focus on developing a systematic approach to assess knowledge retention in foundation subjects and address parental concerns regarding staff consistency and support for pupils with special educational needs. By doing so, The Ridge Primary School can continue to provide a high-quality education and maintain the confidence of its community.
