High praise for primary school from inspectors
PUPILS and staff at a Middlesbrough primary have been praised for creating a school held in high esteem by its community.
Ofsted inspectors applauded River Tees Primary Academy, in Pallister Park, after a two-day inspection of the alternate provision for children aged eight to 11.
The good grading comes at a time of increasing demand for services offered by the school, which helps children to get back into education against a backdrop of social, emotional and mental health issues and special educational needs.
Part of the River Tees Multi Academy Trust, the primary will be relocating from Sulby Avenue to Charlbury Road, in the next academic year, to a larger site offering more places to meet the growing demand for specialist support in Middlesbrough.
The Ofsted report comes on the heels of the school securing the Leading Parent Partnership Award issued by the professional body Optimus Education, with the award detailing that “parents appreciate how the staff go over and above to ensure that their children and families are given the best support”.
River Tees Primary Academy serves some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country and the school supports pupils who have been excluded, are at risk of exclusion or pupils with a varying level of SEND needs.
Headteacher Sophie Moss said: “I am proud to lead a team of incredibly driven and dedicated staff, who go over and above to provide our pupils the opportunity to not only re-engage in education but to develop a love of learning.
“The report reflects the positive impact we have – we change lives.”
Inspectors highlighted that leaders and staff focused on “getting the basics right’’ and pupils followed routines and behaved well.
“The ambitious curriculum is designed to equip them with the core knowledge they need to succeed in mainstream schools,” said the report.
“Under the patient guidance of staff, pupils can better manage their feelings and behaviour.
“Pupils conduct themselves well. 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. Many achieve well.”
Inspectors also praised that pupils benefited from the school’s “impressive” personal development programme and they highlighted the school’s curriculum which “ignited” interest in reading.
They said: “Pupils are confident to speak out. They know that staff listen to them and help to resolve any problems they have.
“Pupils’ sense of self-worth grows through the optimistic, caring ethos that leaders and staff have instilled.
“Pupils, parents, staff and commissioning headteachers hold the school in high esteem.”