Ravensthorpe Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 22 and 23 February 2023. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and happy. They demonstrate enthusiasm for their learning and adhere to the school motto of dreaming big, aiming high, and achieving more. The pupils exhibit exemplary behavior both in lessons and throughout the school, maintaining focus on their tasks and showing respect towards one another.
The leadership team at the school has high expectations for all students, fostering a culture of consideration and politeness among pupils. Instances of bullying are rare, and students express confidence in the support they receive from adults in the school. The school emphasizes the importance of providing experiences beyond the standard curriculum, as evidenced by pupils' excitement about educational trips, such as their visit to a local museum to learn about Vikings.
The school offers a variety of clubs and activities that cater to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents and carers have expressed strong support for the school, highlighting its positive impact on their children’s education. The leadership team is ambitious in ensuring that all pupils achieve their best, preparing them for future educational stages. They have developed a broad and balanced curriculum that identifies key knowledge for pupils to retain.
Teachers at the school possess strong subject knowledge and effectively assess pupils' understanding during lessons. They address misconceptions promptly and provide opportunities for pupils to recall important information. Pupils with special educational needs are included in the same curriculum as their peers, with staff trained to support them through tailored activities. The school prioritizes reading, encouraging pupils to engage with a variety of texts and authors. Regular library visits and a focus on phonics training for staff are part of the school’s strategy to enhance reading skills.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some staff do not consistently check pupils' pronunciation of letter sounds, leading to errors in reading. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all staff accurately assess pupils' phonics knowledge. Additionally, attendance remains a challenge for some pupils, impacting their learning. Leaders are working to refine strategies that engage parents and promote a culture of positive attendance.
The school provides a range of extracurricular activities that support pupils' personal development, allowing them to explore their interests in sports, music, and the arts. Pupils take pride in participating in the school council and are exposed to various career discussions through guest speakers. The governing body plays an effective role in supporting and challenging school leaders, maintaining an accurate view of the school's strengths and areas for development.
Staff at the school appreciate the support they receive from leaders, noting that they are approachable and considerate of staff well-being. The high morale among staff contributes to a collaborative team environment. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, with leaders ensuring that staff are trained to recognize and address potential risks to pupils. Overall, Ravensthorpe Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement and development.
