Riverdale Primary School, located in Redcar, North Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 29 and 30, 2021. The leadership team, staff, and governors are dedicated to serving the community and have established high expectations for student achievement. The school environment fosters growth, with strong relationships between adults and pupils. Students express confidence in their school, feeling safe during lessons and on the playground, a sentiment echoed by their parents. Pupils appreciate the care shown by their teachers and teaching assistants, highlighting the supportive atmosphere.
Attendance is commendable, and students report positive behavior throughout the school. The high expectations set by leaders regarding behavior are consistently modeled by adults, contributing to a respectful and courteous student body. Recent changes to the behavior policy have been well received, with students viewing the new rules as affirmations of their positive choices. Pupils are knowledgeable about various forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, and report that such incidents are infrequent. They trust that adults will intervene effectively when disagreements arise.
The early years program is particularly strong, with staff effectively developing children's language and communication skills. Engaging and varied activities cater to children's needs and interests, ensuring active participation in learning. Reading instruction is a notable strength of the school, with a well-structured phonics program that begins in Nursery. Children develop a love for stories and language through songs and rhymes, and they receive tailored support if they struggle with reading.
The mathematics curriculum is logically sequenced, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge progressively. Teachers provide clear explanations and regularly revisit previously learned concepts, ensuring a solid foundation for new learning. The special educational needs coordinator closely monitors the support provided to pupils with additional needs, facilitating early identification and timely interventions. The school also offers effective emotional support, which is highly valued by parents.
Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that is well-planned across subjects, identifying core knowledge and skills for pupils. However, some subjects, such as geography and history, require further development to ensure that pupils can build on prior knowledge effectively. Pupils express satisfaction with the diverse opportunities for personal development, learning about different cultures and the importance of equality and health, including mental well-being.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders prioritizing pupil safety. Staff are well-trained to recognize signs of neglect or abuse and know how to report concerns. The school has established strong connections with external services for additional support. Pupils receive education on personal safety, including online safety, through specialist visits.
To improve, the school must enhance the planning and sequencing of its curriculum across all subjects. While leaders are actively working on this, some areas still need refinement to ensure that pupils can effectively recall and build upon their previous learning. Overall, Riverdale Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement.
