Ravensworth Church of England Primary School, located in a rural area of North Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 28, 2022. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed, guided by its Christian ethos of Building futures with love. This ethos fosters an environment where pupils are encouraged to be confident, articulate, and polite. The school has a strong focus on maintaining a positive atmosphere, with minimal low-level disruption in lessons. Staff effectively address any behavioral issues, and pupils feel safe and well-cared for, trusting the staff to support them in times of need.
The school utilizes its surrounding environment to enhance learning, particularly in subjects such as science, geography, and history. Pupils engage in outdoor exploration, which enriches their educational experience. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the individualized attention their children receive from staff who genuinely care about their well-being and academic success.
Leadership at Ravensworth has successfully navigated significant changes, ensuring that the curriculum remains ambitious and engaging. Subject leaders across the collaboration of four schools have clearly defined learning objectives for pupils from early years to Year 6. The phonics program is particularly noteworthy, with a dedicated leader ensuring that all children become fluent readers. The systematic phonics scheme has proven effective, helping pupils who previously struggled to catch up quickly. Teachers maintain high expectations for reading and writing, utilizing quality literature to engage and challenge students.
In mathematics, the curriculum is structured to provide clear guidance on the knowledge required at each stage. Teachers break down complex concepts into manageable steps, ensuring that pupils build a solid foundation in essential skills. The revised science curriculum emphasizes sequential knowledge building, allowing pupils to develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
The school is dedicated to supporting all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teacher assessments accurately identify learning gaps, enabling targeted support to help these pupils catch up. High expectations for behavior are established, and pupils are aware of what is expected of them, contributing to a happy and confident school environment.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. While curriculum plans exist for most subjects, their implementation has not been fully embedded, resulting in some pupils not achieving their full potential. Leaders are encouraged to continue refining these plans to ensure comprehensive knowledge acquisition across all subjects.
The school has also recognized the need to broaden pupils' experiences beyond their immediate community, particularly following periods of isolation during lockdowns. A variety of trips and visits are integrated into the curriculum to enhance pupils' broader development.
Staff express pride in their work at Ravensworth, appreciating the support from school leaders and governors in managing their roles effectively. Governors are actively involved in the school, providing training and considering staff well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are robust, with a strong culture of safety. Staff undergo regular training, and there are effective measures in place to support pupils' mental health. Parents value the assistance provided by the school, especially during challenging times.
Overall, Ravensworth Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and success of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths while addressing areas for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all students.
