The Ridge Junior School, located on Melrose Avenue in Yate, Bristol, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The inspection took place on November 16 and 17, 2022. Pupils express enjoyment in attending this friendly and welcoming school, where they understand the significance of the core values of respect, inclusion, drive, growth, and empowerment. These values contribute to their development as polite, hardworking individuals who are considerate of others.
The headteacher and staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior and conduct, resulting in calm and purposeful classrooms. Pupils are aware of what constitutes bullying and report that it is infrequent. They feel confident that any incidents would be addressed promptly by adults. The school fosters a safe environment, and pupils appreciate the supportive relationships they have with staff. While many parents endorse the school, some have raised concerns regarding behavior and bullying. However, the inspection revealed effective systems in place to manage these issues.
Pupils engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, and take pride in their responsibilities as school councillors, house captains, and other roles. This involvement helps them contribute positively to the school community. The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. They have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that the curriculum is designed to meet pupils' needs.
Reading is a priority at The Ridge Junior School, with a focus on providing pupils with a diverse range of texts. Staff receive training to teach reading effectively and regularly assess pupils' reading knowledge to identify any gaps. As pupils progress, they are matched with books that align with their learning. Support is provided to those who fall behind, enabling them to catch up quickly. Pupils enjoy reading and recognize its importance, with older students confidently tackling challenging texts.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, allowing teachers to clearly explain new concepts and giving pupils time to consolidate their understanding. Younger pupils develop a solid grasp of basic facts, while older pupils build on this foundation to solve more complex problems. However, the implementation of the curriculum varies across subjects, with some teachers not effectively building on prior knowledge. For instance, in history, some pupils struggle to connect concepts, which can hinder their progress.
Leaders are committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they are well-supported in lessons. Individual support plans are precise, allowing these pupils to access the full curriculum. Overall, pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, with low levels of disruption noted. Playtimes are productive, showcasing teamwork and creativity among pupils.
The school promotes pupils' wider development through community engagement and discussions on important topics such as racism and inclusion. While pupils understand democracy, they are less familiar with other fundamental British values. Governors are actively involved and effectively carry out their roles, while staff feel supported and appreciated by school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at The Ridge Junior School are effective, with leaders ensuring that safeguarding is a collective responsibility. Staff are trained to identify and report any concerns promptly, and the school collaborates with external agencies to provide necessary support for vulnerable pupils. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe both online and offline, demonstrating an understanding of personal safety.
To enhance the quality of education, leaders must ensure consistent implementation of the curriculum across all subjects, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. This will help pupils retain and understand more in every subject area.
