Wednesday, 11 September 2013

Further progress made by Riverside Junior School

Riverside Junior School in Hebden Bridge, has been judged by Ofsted as no longer requiring special measures, only four terms after being placed in the category.

Ofsted inspectors visited the school in July this year, and found that standards have been raised and pupils' achievements improved. Inspectors praised the school's curriculum and its commitment to the inclusion of all pupils, who are "cared for and valued equally".

They were also impressed by the way the headteacher and all staff knew the pupils well as individuals, listened to their views and supported their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Inspectors also singled out the good behaviour of pupils and their positive attitudes to learning.

Calderdale Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services, Cllr Megan Swift, said, "It's great news that Riverside Junior School is no longer in special measures. The hard work of the staff and pupils has really paid off, and the results of this inspection highlight the improvements the school has already made, and continues to make."
The school had been placed in special measures in January 2012, and was told to make significant improvements. Since then, the school has received three monitoring visits by HMI to check on its progress and now Her Majesty's Chief Inspector is of the opinion that the school no longer requires special measures.

Riverside Junior School's Chair of Governors, John Dermo, said, "Everyone involved in the school is excited and delighted that the school no longer requires special measures, and that all the hard work has been recognised. There is now a real sense of community and a good foundation upon which the school can build and move forward."

Headteacher of the school, Val Eggleton, added, "This report is a great boost to all the staff and governors who continue to work so tirelessly to improve standards and provide a first-class education for all our pupils.

"I was particularly pleased that the report acknowledges the good behaviour of our children, how proud they are of Riverside and how happy they are to be here."