Riverside Primary School, located in Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, was inspected on November 12-13, 2019, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is characterized by a welcoming and caring environment where pupils feel proud to be part of the community. They enjoy making friends and express happiness in their daily experiences, aligning with the school motto of being happy, helpful, and hardworking. The curriculum is broad and well-planned, providing interesting and exciting learning opportunities for pupils of all abilities and backgrounds. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil performance, and the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including trips, music, sports, and cookery.
Pupil behavior is outstanding, with a strong emphasis on kindness and respect. The school fosters an inclusive atmosphere where diversity is accepted and celebrated, allowing pupils to learn without fear of bullying or discrimination. The headteacher and her team prioritize pupil safety and well-being, providing exceptional support to families facing concerns. Parents appreciate the school's nurturing environment, often describing it as a family.
Leadership at Riverside Primary School is effective, with the headteacher making a significant impact on the school and its community. Parents and carers express strong support for the school, recognizing the valuable offerings for their children. The curriculum is ambitious, wide, and balanced, with clear plans for what pupils should learn. While some subjects are still developing, systems are in place to ensure consistent strong outcomes for all pupils. Teachers are well-supported, and their subject knowledge is robust, which enhances the learning experience.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring they have equal opportunities to learn alongside their peers. The early years provision is effective, providing a solid foundation for children as they transition into primary education. Phonics instruction is well-implemented, with children in the nursery encouraged to engage with sounds and develop a love for reading from an early age.
The school has made improvements in reading development, particularly from key stage one to key stage two, addressing previous concerns about pupil performance. High-quality texts are used to enhance learning across subjects, encouraging pupils to think critically about broader issues. However, leaders recognize the need to maintain momentum in these improvements to ensure all pupils achieve their potential.
Riverside Primary School excels in promoting pupils' personal development through a wealth of activities that help them grow into responsible citizens. Initiatives like the Riverside Rangers project allow pupils to positively impact the local community. The school emphasizes physical and emotional health, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging pupils to engage in physical activities enthusiastically.
Staff well-being is also a priority, with the headteacher and governors mindful of workload and providing necessary support. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong focus on pupil safety and welfare. Staff are well-trained and maintain positive relationships with pupils and families, fostering a trusting environment.
While the school has a well-designed curriculum, there is a need for consistency in the delivery of science and some foundation subjects to ensure uniform achievement across the curriculum. Leaders are committed to sustaining improvements in reading development to maximize pupil achievement. Overall, Riverside Primary School is a nurturing and effective educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils.
