Richmond Avenue Primary and Nursery School, located in Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 1 and 2, 2022. The school is characterized by a welcoming and caring environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The school promotes values of kindness, safety, responsibility, and a love for learning, which are embraced by the students. The leadership team is ambitious and ensures that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities, receive a high-quality education.
Pupils demonstrate respect and care for one another, exhibiting a strong understanding of right and wrong. They report that bullying is infrequent and that staff respond promptly to any concerns raised. The behavior of pupils in lessons is commendable, as they listen attentively and engage with the material being taught. This positive behavior contributes to their ability to retain knowledge across various subjects, with many pupils recalling information from previous topics effectively.
Students take pride in their roles within the school, such as reading ambassadors and house captains, which they view as significant responsibilities. The curriculum is designed with high aspirations for all pupils, ensuring that learning builds progressively on prior knowledge. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in how teachers assess pupils' previous knowledge in certain subjects. This gap can lead to instances where the work assigned does not fully meet the needs of all pupils, affecting their retention of essential knowledge.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, and pupils enjoy accessing a wide range of texts, including those available on the school’s book bus. The early years program emphasizes storytelling and reading, fostering a love for literature from a young age. Regular reading lessons across all year groups enhance pupils' comprehension and vocabulary, which are crucial for their overall academic success. Phonics instruction is effective and begins as soon as children enter the school, with staff trained to deliver this consistently.
The school is proactive in supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Staff receive ongoing training to provide appropriate support, and adaptations are made to facilitate learning for these pupils, resulting in their positive progress.
Staff members express satisfaction with the support they receive from school leaders, highlighting a culture of teamwork and understanding regarding workload and work-life balance. The governing body possesses a diverse range of expertise and has played a vital role in supporting the school during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They maintain oversight of the school's curriculum implementation and ensure that the quality of education remains high.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with regular training for staff to recognize and respond to potential concerns. The school collaborates with families and external agencies to provide necessary support, teaching pupils about safety in both online and community contexts.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on improving assessment practices in certain subjects to ensure that all pupils' needs are met consistently. This will help solidify the knowledge pupils need for future learning. Overall, Richmond Avenue Primary and Nursery School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its students.
