Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Rivermead Primary School on 10 October 2018, following its previous judgment of good in November 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain its good status. The leadership team, under Mr. Brian Prebble, has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that all pupils succeed, fostering confidence among staff, governors, and parents. Feedback from parents highlights the supportive environment and strong leadership, with many expressing appreciation for the headteacher's accessibility and the positive atmosphere surrounding learning.
The school has seen improvements in standards of achievement across all year groups, with pupils' outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics consistently aligning with national averages at key stages one and two. Disadvantaged pupils, in particular, have shown significant progress, achieving high standards by the end of Year 6. The senior leadership team has effectively developed staff skills, ensuring that teaching is well-organized, imaginative, and of high quality, which has contributed to a thriving learning environment. Parents have noted the school's efforts to engage pupils in learning, with many praising the dedication of teachers and classroom assistants.
Pupils at Rivermead Primary School exhibit confidence, politeness, and a strong sense of community. The school promotes participation through a variety of extracurricular activities, with many pupils actively engaging in team sports and other clubs. The ethos of the school encourages hard work and enthusiasm in lessons, with pupils expressing enjoyment in their learning experiences. The leadership team has a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, with governors providing effective support and challenge.
The inspection also highlighted the effectiveness of safeguarding measures in place at the school. The leadership team has ensured that all safeguarding arrangements are robust and compliant with government guidelines. Staff training is comprehensive, and there is a strong focus on monitoring pupils' welfare. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, including online safety, and parents have expressed confidence in the school's ability to keep their children safe.
The inspection findings included a focus on specific areas such as the quality of early years provision, support for disadvantaged pupils, and the quality of writing across the curriculum. The early years environment is vibrant and well-planned, providing a strong foundation for children's learning. Leaders have effectively utilized pupil premium funding to support disadvantaged pupils, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and support to thrive academically and socially.
While the school has made strides in improving writing standards, it has been identified that writing is not as strong as reading and mathematics. Leaders have implemented a new approach to teaching writing, which is showing positive results. The curriculum is being reviewed to ensure that pupils acquire subject-specific knowledge and skills across various subjects, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills.
Next steps for the school include maintaining high standards in writing across all subjects and continuing to develop the curriculum to enhance pupils' learning experiences. The leadership team is committed to ongoing improvement, ensuring that Rivermead Primary School remains a supportive and effective learning environment for all its pupils.
