Risca Primary

Overview

Risca Primary School is described as an inclusive, caring community where pupils make "very good progress" and achieve high standards. The report highlights "consistently strong" teaching, a "vibrant and engaging curriculum," and excellent creative provision, particularly in art. Overall, the school demonstrates high-quality leadership and management, with staff acting as "reflective practitioners" who share successes openly.

Strengths

• Pupils develop "very strong literacy skills" and solve "real-life number problems very well," with most becoming "confident independent learners."
• The quality of teaching is "consistently strong," with staff using "high expectations" and skilful questioning to extend pupil responses.
• Provision for creative skills is "excellent," featuring specialist art lessons and opportunities for all Key Stage 2 pupils to play musical instruments.
• Leadership is "strong, effective and purposeful," with a "highly effective" approach to professional development and school-to-school working.
• Pupils are "polite and very caring towards each other," displaying "strong attitudes to learning" and enthusiasm for their work.

Areas to improve

• The school must "improve attendance," as current rates do not compare well with similar schools and persistent absence is "too high."
• Leaders should "ensure that targets are specific and measurable for pupils with additional learning needs," as some current targets are not specific enough.

Safeguarding

The report states that the school’s arrangements for safeguarding pupils "meet requirements and give no cause for concern."