Ridgeway Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 December 2024

Ridgeway Primary Academy wants pupils to be happy, secure and valued. Pupils certainly are happy and feel safe. They say that adults listen to them and support them with any worries they may have. The school has high expectations of every pupil, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils meet these expectations and achieve well. The school invites adults from different occupations to speak with pupils. This raises pupils career aspirations and encourages pupils to think about their future. In lessons, most pupils are focused and relish taking part in class discussions. Around school, pupils hold open doors and greet their peers and adults. The playground is harmonious. Pupils of different ages enjoy playing in the mud kitchen and in the different play pods. The pupils who sometimes find it difficult to manage their behaviour are supported well. Pupils develop their leadership skills by taking on different roles in the ministries of the 'Pupil Parliament'. As literature, health and music ministers, for example, pupils have the chance to promote and improve these aspects across the school. Pupils enjoy taking part in clubs such as cooking, gymnastics, football and youth club.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, pupils do not remember what has previously been taught. This results in some gaps in pupils' knowledge. In these subjects, the school should develop and implement strategies to help pupils remember important content and build pupils' understanding.
• At times, the activities in the early years are not sharply focused on helping the children embed or move forward with their learning. This means that, on occasions, children's learning is not as effective as it could be. The school should ensure that continuous provision learning activities give children the chance to consolidate and/or learn key knowledge and skills.
• Some parents have concerns about different aspects of the school's work. For example, a few parents feel communication could be improved, while others would like more interaction with the school. As a result, the school is not working as well as it could with some parents. The trust and school should review and further strengthen their work with parents to secure the confidence of these parents.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)