Ravensfield Primary School

Overview

The inspection concludes that the school "requires significant improvement" because it is "performing significantly less well than it might in all the circumstances reasonably be expected to perform." While recent leadership changes are beginning to address deep-rooted weaknesses, the report states that "the road to recovery will be easy or swift" is an illusion, with many areas still requiring urgent attention.

Strengths

• Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility."
• The teaching of phonics is successful, with teachers possessing the necessary expertise.
• Some pupils in the 'thrive' provision and 'rainbow room' enjoy a "more tailored approach" and engage successfully.
• Recent leadership actions are "beginning to make a positive difference" and establishing essential systems.
• Early years routines are well-established, underpinned by "warm and caring relationships with staff."

Areas to improve

• Leaders must rebuild fractured staff relationships and ensure pupils' best interests are at the heart of school life.
• Teachers must raise expectations for behaviour and academic success to improve pupils' attitudes to learning.
• Leaders must ensure pupils' needs are identified early and that foundational knowledge in writing and mathematics is secured.

Safeguarding

The report confirms that safeguarding standards are met, noting that leaders have established an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.