Ravenstone Primary School, located in Balham, London, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on September 19 and 20, 2023. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Francis O’Kane, leads the school, which is part of the Wandle Learning Trust, overseen by co-CEOs Mark Siswick and Christian Kingsley, and chaired by Sian Mathias.
The inspection revealed that pupils at Ravenstone are happy and feel safe, with a strong support system in place. The curriculum includes safety education from early years, where children learn to use climbing equipment safely. The school promotes values such as kindness, creativity, honesty, respect, and determination, fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Most pupils exhibit good behaviour in classrooms and throughout the school, contributing to a conducive learning atmosphere.
Pupils achieve well, benefiting from a broad and balanced curriculum that enhances their knowledge across various subjects. They are generally well-prepared for the next stages of their education. The school encourages pupils to take on additional responsibilities, such as peer mentoring, which helps them understand democracy and prepares them for life in modern Britain. Pupils take pride in their school, participating in activities like caring for school chickens.
The school excels in fostering a love for reading from an early age. Teachers are well-trained in implementing a phonics programme, ensuring that pupils read with accuracy and confidence. The curriculum is comprehensive and aligns with national expectations, with important concepts identified and logically sequenced across subjects. For instance, early years mathematics focuses on counting and number recognition, laying a foundation for future learning.
Assessment practices are generally effective in identifying pupils needing extra help, although some subjects lack established routines for checking understanding. This can lead to persistent misconceptions among some pupils. Vocabulary development is prioritized, particularly in early years, but there are instances where essential knowledge and terminology are not adequately emphasized, affecting readiness for Year 1.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are accurately identified and receive effective support to access the curriculum alongside their peers. The school maintains strong behaviour management practices, with clear routines and expectations that promote eagerness to learn. Attendance is generally good, with support in place for those needing improvement.
The curriculum also emphasizes broader development, promoting diversity and inclusion through initiatives like the Ravenstone entitlement, which ensures pupils engage in educational visits, hear guest speakers, and participate in enrichment activities each term. The school offers a variety of clubs, including football, dance, and athletics, enhancing pupils' extracurricular experiences.
Staff express high levels of satisfaction regarding the support they receive for managing workload and well-being. Despite recent leadership changes, there is a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, with appropriate plans in place to address these priorities.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ravenstone Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school is encouraged to enhance its early years curriculum to systematically identify essential knowledge for Year 1 readiness and to improve assessment practices in certain subjects to better address misconceptions. Overall, Ravenstone Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for its pupils.
