Ravensworth Primary School, located in Mottingham, London, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on May 8 and 10, 2024. The school is led by headteacher Paul Murphy and is part of the Education for the 21st Century Trust, overseen by CEO Simon Garrill and a board of trustees chaired by James Toop. The school has a strong reputation among parents and carers, who describe it as a caring environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The school’s values of dedication, belief, and pride are well-known and integrated into daily activities, fostering a positive atmosphere.
Pupils at Ravensworth Primary School are encouraged to express their concerns to staff, and the school has established routines that promote respectful behavior. The curriculum is well-structured, with a focus on reading, which is emphasized as a vital component of learning across subjects. The school has implemented a thoughtful approach to teaching early reading, ensuring that phonics is taught daily and that pupils receive additional support when needed. This commitment to literacy helps pupils become fluent readers over time.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum with clear objectives for all pupils. The governing body actively holds school leaders accountable for improvements, particularly in enhancing academic outcomes in writing by the end of Year 6. Staff members appreciate the tailored training provided by the school and the trust, which supports their professional development and workload management. Teachers present new materials clearly, and there is a strong emphasis on vocabulary development, which begins in the early years.
Ravensworth Primary School also prioritizes inclusivity, making necessary adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are skilled in identifying and supporting these pupils, ensuring they can keep pace with their peers. The school has identified essential knowledge across the curriculum that pupils must learn and remember, with a focus on practical skills in subjects like physical education.
Despite these strengths, the school recognizes areas for improvement. Occasionally, tasks set in lessons do not fully enable pupils to deepen their understanding of key concepts. This can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding, particularly in foundation subjects. The school aims to design tasks that allow pupils to consolidate their learning effectively. Additionally, there are instances where teachers do not check for understanding before moving on to more complex tasks, which can result in misconceptions.
Pupils are given opportunities to take on leadership roles and engage in various extracurricular activities, enhancing their overall development. The school’s behavior and culture curriculum is well-established, promoting respectful interactions among pupils and staff. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
Overall, Ravensworth Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, with a strong focus on pupil well-being and academic achievement. The school is well-regarded by the community and continues to strive for improvement in its educational practices. The inspection highlights the school’s dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for all its pupils.
