River View Primary and Nursery School, located in Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024. The school promotes a culture of respect, independence, caring, helpfulness, equality, and resilience, encapsulated in the acronym RICHER. Pupils express that these values contribute to a brighter future and enhance their community. The school fosters a nurturing environment where new arrivals, including those new to the country, are warmly welcomed and quickly integrated into the school community.
The school has made significant efforts to ensure that pupils have the necessary resources to achieve their potential. As a result, more students are now performing at the expected academic standards. The behavior of pupils is commendable; they navigate the school sensibly and interact politely with staff and visitors. Staff members model the expected behavior and provide support during playtime, which encourages cooperative play with a variety of equipment. This proactive approach has led to pupils meeting the high behavioral expectations set by the staff.
Pupils particularly enjoy the Richer Rainbow Fridays, where they engage in activities with different adults and peers across various age groups, including sports, art, and drama. The curriculum is designed to engage pupils in their learning, and staff deliver it effectively. In subjects like mathematics, early years pupils learn about numbers through diverse methods, which helps them grasp and apply this knowledge practically. However, some subjects lack a well-sequenced structure, which can hinder the progression of pupils' learning and retention of information.
The early years program provides children with a strong foundation as staff focus on teaching essential knowledge across all learning areas. Children participate in well-planned activities both indoors and outdoors, enhancing their learning experience. The school prioritizes reading instruction, with well-trained staff effectively teaching phonics. Pupils who struggle receive timely support, and those with special educational needs are provided with books that match their reading level, fostering confidence and fluency. The school encourages reading at home, rewarding children with certificates for their efforts.
In most subjects, staff regularly assess pupils' understanding and address any misconceptions promptly, particularly in phonics. The school has established robust processes to identify additional needs among pupils, maintaining high expectations for those with special educational needs. The school’s efforts to improve attendance have shown positive results, although some pupils still miss significant amounts of school, which affects their learning.
Pupils benefit from a variety of activities that enrich their educational experience, including engaging 'wow days' that captivate their interest in the curriculum. Opportunities for pupils to contribute to school life, such as participating in the school council and eco monitors, empower them to feel that they are making a positive impact.
Governors are dedicated to the school and its role in the community, working to enhance their skills. However, they sometimes lack sufficient information to hold school leaders accountable for all aspects of the school's performance, particularly regarding the quality of education.
The safeguarding arrangements at River View Primary and Nursery School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school should focus on increasing attendance rates and ensuring that all subjects are logically sequenced to build on prior learning effectively. Additionally, governors should continue to develop their role to enhance accountability for the school's performance. Overall, River View Primary and Nursery School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
