Ravenswood School, located in Nailsea, Bristol, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 13 and 14, 2023. The leadership team demonstrates integrity and places pupils at the center of their decision-making processes. Their vision, encapsulated in the phrase dream, achieve, believe, reflects their commitment to enhancing the quality of education over recent years. The school has a clear understanding of the learning objectives for its pupils, ensuring they acquire essential life skills for safe and independent living.
Staff members are dedicated to providing a diverse range of experiences for pupils, including outdoor learning opportunities in wildlife areas, go-karting, sports, trips, and residential activities. These experiences promote active and healthy lifestyles. The school fosters a supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable discussing any concerns, particularly regarding bullying.
Leaders actively seek opportunities to enhance learning experiences. Older pupils participate in running an on-site kitchen and a pop-up shop, while a real-life bus stop teaches them about safe travel. The school also utilizes assisted technology in the discovery room to expose pupils to real-world environments, empowering them to face life beyond school with confidence.
Ravenswood School is inclusive and maintains high aspirations for all pupils. The leadership has developed an ambitious curriculum that outlines the essential building blocks of learning, the sequence of instruction, and when to revisit concepts. The focus on core subjects, such as reading and mathematics, is evident, with staff effectively implementing the curriculum and utilizing resources to support learning.
The school has a realistic evaluation of its strengths and areas for improvement. Leaders are aware of the need to embed a high-quality curriculum across all subjects. Phonics instruction is prioritized from early years through to post-16 education, ensuring that pupils learn to decode effectively. Creative approaches, such as sports phonics sessions, engage older pupils who may have lost interest in reading.
Reading materials are carefully selected to align with pupils' phonics knowledge, fostering confidence and fluency. Professional development for staff in core subjects is robust, equipping them with the necessary skills to tailor learning to individual pupil needs. Strong governance supports the school, with governors setting high expectations and maintaining a clear vision for the future.
Staff express satisfaction with their work environment and feel valued by leadership, which effectively manages workload. Pupils take pride in their school, with ambassadors contributing to a safe and positive atmosphere. They navigate the school calmly and engage actively in lessons, supported by clear behavioral expectations and strong staff-pupil relationships.
Post-16 pupils receive structured career advice and a transition curriculum that involves local colleges, aiding their future planning. This support facilitates successful transitions to further education, training, or employment after leaving Ravenswood.
The school's safeguarding measures are effective, with staff well-informed about current guidelines. The curriculum includes lessons on personal safety, and pupils report feeling secure throughout the school environment. However, there is a need for improvement in foundation subjects, as some staff may lack the specific knowledge required to adapt learning effectively for all pupils. Leaders must ensure that staff receive adequate guidance to implement the curriculum successfully across all subjects. Overall, Ravenswood School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
