Hilgay Riverside Academy, located in Norfolk, underwent an inspection on May 10 and 11, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The school fosters a strong sense of community where everyone knows each other well. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, particularly in Year 6, where they act as family leaders to support younger students. This creates a nurturing environment where kindness and respect are paramount. Pupils express enjoyment in their lessons and demonstrate confidence in discussing their learning experiences. The curriculum is designed to help students make connections across subjects and build on prior knowledge.
Behavior in the classroom is consistently good, with pupils meeting high expectations. They listen to one another and engage in respectful discussions. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, which is rare, and pupils feel confident that staff will intervene if necessary. The school promotes emotional awareness and conflict resolution through various initiatives, including clubs aimed at supporting students.
Hilgay Riverside Academy's motto, opportunity, challenge, respect, resonates with the pupils, who take pride in their school community. The leadership team has developed an ambitious curriculum that is well-structured from Reception to Year 6. They have identified gaps in learning due to previous disruptions and have incorporated this into their planning to ensure pupils are well-prepared for future educational stages.
Teachers effectively revisit previous learning and introduce new vocabulary and concepts. Older pupils are encouraged to apply their knowledge creatively, such as in historical projects. Assessment practices are robust, allowing staff to monitor pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge.
The reading curriculum is a notable strength, with well-trained staff who provide targeted support for pupils needing extra help. The early years curriculum is also well-structured, balancing focused teaching with opportunities for independent practice.
Leaders are proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support to access the curriculum alongside their peers. The behavior policy has been revised, leading to calm behavior in lessons, although there are some inconsistencies during break times. Leaders recognize the need for clearer expectations regarding behavior outside the classroom.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including community engagement and theater visits, which enrich pupils' experiences. The personal, social, and health education curriculum helps pupils develop empathy and a broader understanding of societal issues.
The governing body has seen recent changes, and the pandemic has affected their ability to monitor the school effectively. Leaders are working to enhance the consistency of monitoring, particularly regarding pupil behavior.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of risk and ensure pupils feel safe. The curriculum includes age-appropriate lessons on personal and internet safety, encouraging pupils to express their feelings and concerns.
To improve further, the school needs to establish clearer behavior expectations during non-class times and provide additional support for new governors to enhance their monitoring capabilities. Overall, Hilgay Riverside Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
