Ridgeway Primary School, located in South Croydon, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 5 and 6, 2024. The school is committed to ensuring that every child achieves success, fostering an environment that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and responsibility. The atmosphere at Ridgeway is warm and inclusive, allowing pupils to feel safe and confident in seeking help from staff regarding any concerns.
Students take pride in their school, demonstrating respect for both staff and peers. Positive behavior is evident throughout the school, both during lessons and social interactions. Leaders have established clear expectations, providing extensive support and guidance to pupils who require additional help. The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, such as assisting younger children with reading, and offers a variety of activities that promote their development, including trips to parks and notable landmarks, as well as participation in clubs and sports teams.
Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the care and inclusivity extended to their children. The leadership team actively engages with the community, effectively supporting vulnerable pupils and collaborating with parents. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, progressing logically from Nursery to Year 6, with a focus on essential knowledge and skills. Staff ensure that pupils develop their subject vocabulary, enhancing their learning experience.
Ridgeway Primary School prioritizes reading, implementing an effective reading program that begins in the early years and continues into key stage two. Books are carefully selected to align with the phonics knowledge of pupils, and regular assessments are conducted to monitor progress. Staff provide support to struggling readers, enabling them to catch up quickly and fostering a love for reading among pupils. The well-resourced school library is a valued resource, and early years staff utilize songs and stories to stimulate children's imagination.
The school is dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring that their individual needs are accurately identified and met. Staff are trained to provide appropriate adaptations and support, enabling these pupils to achieve well. The school maintains a calm and purposeful atmosphere, with high expectations for pupil behavior. Students respond positively to these expectations, reflecting on their behavior and its impact on their learning.
Ridgeway Primary School places significant emphasis on the wider development of pupils, with a well-planned curriculum that includes personal, social, and health education. Staff help pupils manage their feelings and understand the importance of tolerance, equality, and fairness. The school provides a range of extracurricular opportunities that enrich the pupils' educational experience.
Governors are knowledgeable about the school's strengths and areas for improvement, offering appropriate support and challenge. Most staff report positively on the support they receive regarding workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in clearly identifying key knowledge and the sequence of learning in some subjects. This will help pupils build on their prior learning more securely and develop deeper subject-specific knowledge and skills. Overall, Ridgeway Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the success and well-being of its pupils.
