Ravenscroft Community Primary School, located in Kirkby, Liverpool, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its strengths and areas for improvement. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school’s core values of honesty, enjoyment, achievement, respect, and talent are evident in the daily lives of the pupils, who demonstrate exemplary behaviour and a strong sense of pride in their school community.
Pupils are enthusiastic learners who strive to meet the high expectations set by the school. This commitment is reflected in the quality of their work, with most students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieving well. The school offers a broad curriculum that caters to the diverse needs of its pupils, providing numerous opportunities for them to explore their interests and talents. Enrichment activities, including trips and various clubs, enhance the educational experience and help to bring the curriculum to life.
Leadership roles within the school are actively embraced by pupils, who contribute meaningfully to school life through positions such as school councillors and play leaders. This involvement fosters their confidence and leadership skills. The school has made significant strides in refining its curriculum over the past year, ensuring it is ambitious and meets the needs of all pupils. However, there are still some subjects where the learning steps are not as clearly defined, which can hinder the progression of knowledge for some students.
Despite the overall positive assessment, the school’s recent performance data indicates that attainment in reading and mathematics for Year 6 pupils was below the national average. This is partly attributed to a number of pupils joining the school at various stages, which has affected their ability to fully benefit from the curriculum. Nevertheless, the majority of pupils currently achieve well, and the school is committed to addressing these challenges.
In the early years, staff effectively support children in developing their speech and language skills through engaging activities. The school prioritises early reading and phonics, with consistent delivery of the phonics programme. While most pupils receive the necessary support to improve their reading skills, a small number in key stage two are not progressing as quickly as they could, indicating a need for enhanced intervention strategies.
The school has robust systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring their full participation in school life. The positive attitudes of pupils contribute to a productive learning environment, with effective behaviour management practices in place. Attendance is closely monitored, and the school works collaboratively with families to address any issues.
Ravenscroft Community Primary School also places a strong emphasis on personal development, teaching pupils about safety, respect for different cultures, and British values. The governing body plays an active role in holding school leaders accountable and ensuring the quality of the curriculum. Staff feel supported and valued, contributing to a positive school culture.
Overall, while the school has many strengths, it is essential to refine the curriculum further in certain subjects and enhance reading support for some pupils to ensure all students can achieve their full potential. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and the school community is dedicated to providing a high-quality education for all its pupils.
