Rise Park Junior School, located in Romford, Essex, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 16 and 17, 2022. The school has maintained a consistent standard of education, with previous inspections also yielding a good rating. Pupils express enjoyment in attending the school, highlighting the effectiveness of the school's 'Learning Powers' in enhancing their focus and learning capabilities. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring high attendance rates among students, fostering a positive school environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Incidents of poor behavior and bullying are infrequent, and staff are responsive to any concerns raised by students. However, there are instances in the playground where behavior expectations are not consistently met, prompting leaders to implement strategies for improvement.
The school promotes a successful learning environment across various subjects, with a strong emphasis on reading. Leaders have prioritized reading by providing a diverse selection of texts and organizing events to boost enthusiasm for literature. Most parents and carers express satisfaction with the education their children receive, reflecting the school's positive reputation within the community. The leadership team, including governors and academy trust members, has established an ambitious vision for pupil achievement and has worked diligently to create a well-structured curriculum. While most subjects have clear learning objectives, some areas require further refinement to ensure that the necessary steps for achieving these goals are well-defined.
Reading support is particularly effective for pupils who struggle, with targeted sessions addressing gaps in phonics knowledge. The curriculum also exposes students to various writing styles, broadening their understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, allowing them to progress alongside their peers. Staff utilize various assessments to monitor pupil learning, particularly in reading and mathematics, although consistency in other subjects like art and history needs improvement to prevent knowledge gaps.
Personal development is a key focus, with pupils learning to respect individual differences and engage in physical health activities, including swimming and cycling. The school has established clear behavior expectations, and pupils appreciate the recognition they receive for good behavior. However, some students have noted that playground interactions can be exclusive, leading to concerns about inclusivity during games. Leaders are actively working to address these issues and ensure that all pupils feel welcome and included.
Staff members report that their workload is considered by leaders, and their input is valued in decision-making processes. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff receiving up-to-date training and maintaining vigilance regarding pupil welfare. The school prioritizes safeguarding, ensuring that recruitment checks are conducted thoroughly.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders need to ensure that assessments are consistently applied across all subjects to identify and address gaps in pupil knowledge. Additionally, there is a need to clarify the foundational knowledge required for pupils to achieve their learning objectives in various subjects. The behavior policy should be consistently implemented throughout the school day to promote a positive environment for all students. Overall, Rise Park Junior School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
