Following the monitoring inspection visit to Ravenhurst Primary School on May 18, 2021, it has been confirmed that the school requires improvement. The inspection was conducted under section 8(2) of the Education Act 2005 due to the school receiving two successive judgments of requires improvement in previous inspections. This was the first routine inspection since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of the pandemic was taken into account during the evaluation.
The new headteacher, appointed in January 2020, along with four new teachers and three new governors, has swiftly identified areas needing improvement and has developed a clear plan to address these issues. The leadership team has an accurate understanding of the school's current situation and recognizes the work that still needs to be done. Although some changes have not progressed as quickly as initially planned, leaders have been considerate of the additional workload staff have undertaken during the pandemic.
Since the wider reopening of the school in March 2021, attendance has returned to normal levels. Leaders have ensured that pupils receive the necessary support to help them transition back to school confidently. Teachers have assessed what pupils remember in subjects like English, revealing that not all pupils have retained prior knowledge.
Leaders have implemented a new teaching and learning approach called 'The Ravenhurst Way,' focusing on improving the quality of education in English and mathematics. Pupils report having more opportunities to practice their learning, and teachers are adapting their methods to help pupils who struggle with new knowledge. The emphasis on reading is evident, with leaders prioritizing reading time during the school day and ensuring that pupils who need extra practice receive it.
The phonics curriculum has been revised, and staff training has been organized to enhance phonics instruction. However, the curriculum lacks precision regarding the specific sounds pupils need to learn and the timeline for this learning. Leaders have recognized that some pupils have forgotten sounds they previously knew and have introduced additional phonics lessons to help them catch up.
While leaders have begun work to improve the wider curriculum, progress has slowed due to changing priorities during the pandemic. Some leaders still require training to develop a deeper understanding of subject knowledge, which affects their ability to create a clear sequence of learning. The knowledge pupils should acquire in the wider curriculum is not yet clearly defined, leading to inconsistencies in building on prior learning.
Governors are actively engaged in monitoring the school's progress and ask insightful questions to evaluate the effectiveness of changes. They have a clear plan to enhance their monitoring of the wider curriculum. Staff are committed to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain, and the new behavior policy has been well received by pupils, who find it clear and easy to understand.
The local authority has provided a range of effective support for school leaders, helping them assess the impact of their changes. The school collaborates closely with Affinity teaching schools alliance, which has supported new leaders and provided training for staff. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the leadership team is taking effective action to enhance the quality of education at Ravenhurst Primary School.
