St Richard's Church of England Primary School

Overview

Pupils are “happy to attend” this “welcoming school” where leaders “expect the best from all pupils.” The inspection found that staff and pupils demonstrate “high levels of respect towards each other,” creating a positive environment where children “relish the chance to get involved with leadership opportunities.” Parents hold the school in “high regard,” noting that children “achieve well and enjoy learning.”

Strengths

• Leaders have created a “culture of mutual respect and teamwork” with “high expectations” for behaviour and learning.
• The curriculum is well-developed in most subjects, with learning “sequenced” so knowledge “builds progressively over time.”
• Leaders “prioritise a love of reading,” ensuring effective phonics support and daily lessons for early years and Year 1.
• Staff identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities “early and accurately,” providing tailored support.
• Pupils are encouraged to be “respectful and caring of others,” with older pupils supporting the youngest at lunchtimes.

Areas to improve

• In a “minority of subjects,” leaders have not “fully defined the knowledge and concepts that pupils must learn and remember,” preventing pupils from deepening their knowledge sufficiently.
• Leaders must ensure that in “all subjects,” they identify the “components of essential knowledge that pupils need to know and remember” to gain greater depth of understanding.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with “secure systems in place to keep pupils safe” and staff well-trained to identify and report concerns.