River Tees Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 April 2024

Pupils are quick to settle at River Tees Primary Academy, having struggled to access learning in their mainstream schools. They are happy and safe. Under the patient guidance of staff, pupils can better manage their feelings and behaviour. Pupils conduct themselves well in lessons and around the school. Their behaviour improves markedly over time. Staff and pupils enjoy respectful relationships. These help pupils to develop positive attitudes to their learning. They gain the resilience to stick at their work even when it gets tricky. Pupils, including the many with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn an ambitious curriculum that helps them to close gaps in their literacy and numeracy knowledge. Very many achieve well. Pupils benefit from the school's impressive personal development programme. They learn strategies to keep themselves safe. Pupils are confident to speak out if they feel anxious or unsafe. They know that staff listen to them and help to resolve any problems they have. Pupils take part in a wide range of activities designed to boost their confidence and develop their character. These include off-site visits, planning fitness circuits or speaking in front of others. Pupils' sense of self-worth grows through the optimistic, caring ethos that leaders and staff have instilled.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, adults do not adapt learning precisely to some pupils' needs. Where this is the case, pupils' learning over time is not as secure. Working to a realistic timetable, the school should continue to provide staff with the training and support to deliver the curriculum equally well in all subjects.

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