Richard Lee Primary School, located in Coventry, West Midlands, underwent an inspection on May 10 and 11, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education also marked as needing enhancement. However, the school demonstrated strengths in behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good.
The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where both pupils and staff take pride in their values of resilience, kindness, honesty, pride, and unity. These values are reflected in the positive interactions among pupils during playtimes. High expectations for behavior are set by leaders and embraced by staff, leading to improved pupil conduct over time. Pupils are motivated by a system of rewards, including special recognition from the headteacher.
Extracurricular activities are abundant, with pupils participating in various after-school clubs such as football, cricket, British Sign Language, and art. Educational visits, including trips to a zoo and the seaside, enrich the pupils' learning experiences. Leadership roles, such as junior leaders, provide pupils with opportunities to engage in democratic processes, exemplified by their recent visit to the Houses of Parliament.
Leaders have prioritized raising standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, resulting in improved outcomes for pupils by the end of Year 6. However, there are still subjects that require further development to ensure that all pupils achieve high standards across the curriculum. The governing body is actively involved in supporting leaders to enhance educational standards and is attentive to staff well-being.
New leadership has positively impacted pupils' outcomes in core subjects, with a new curriculum implemented effectively. While the curriculum covers essential concepts and knowledge, some subject leaders have not conducted sufficient checks to ensure consistent delivery across the school. This has led to gaps in understanding among some staff regarding necessary improvements and support.
Reading instruction has been a focal point for leaders, who have developed a well-structured reading curriculum. Staff are well-trained and adept at addressing misconceptions, ensuring pupils develop reading skills with accuracy and fluency. The school has also engaged parents in supporting their children's reading at home, which has yielded positive results.
Early years provision is strong, with practitioners effectively meeting the diverse needs of children. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to build on prior learning, and the learning environment is well-organized. Parents appreciate the communication from the school regarding their children's progress.
While the school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, some staff lack the expertise to adapt the curriculum effectively for these pupils, impacting their outcomes. The school promotes respect for diverse beliefs and fosters an understanding of democracy and the rule of law among pupils.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with appropriate recruitment checks and staff training in place. Staff are vigilant in reporting concerns, ensuring that pupils are taught how to stay safe both online and offline.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the monitoring of curriculum delivery by subject leaders and ensure that the needs of all pupils with special educational needs are met through appropriate adaptations and expert delivery of the curriculum. Overall, while Richard Lee Primary School has areas of strength, there are clear pathways for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
