Celebrating our recent Ofsted inspection outcomes

YOU CAN READ THE FULL OFSTED INSPECTION REPORT FROM JUNE 2026 BY CLICKING HERE

We are delighted to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection, which recognises the continued strength of Lemington Riverside Primary School and, most importantly, celebrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring every child is valued, supported and able to succeed.

The inspection found that the school meets the Expected Standard across all inspected areas, with Inclusion being judged as Strong – a significant recognition of the work that takes place across our school every day.

This judgement reflects the ethos that has shaped our school over many years: that every child deserves to belong, to be supported and to achieve their very best, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Strong for Inclusion

We are particularly proud that Ofsted recognised inclusion as a significant strength of the school.

Inspectors stated:

"Leaders are relentless in their work on inclusion."

They recognised that our staff ensure "every pupil is made to feel as though they belong", praising the way barriers to learning and wellbeing are identified early and addressed through carefully planned support.

The report highlights the expertise of our staff in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), recognising the positive impact of our personalised provision in The Bridge, targeted interventions, speech and language support and work to develop pupils' emotional wellbeing.

Inspectors also praised the partnerships we have built with families and outside agencies, commenting that:

"Parents are full of praise for the ways staff support their children."

The report further acknowledges our work with disadvantaged pupils, children in care and those known to social care, recognising that leaders understand the barriers many families face and target additional support successfully.

Achievement

Inspectors found that pupils generally achieve outcomes close to the national average despite the increasing complexity of pupils' needs within our school community.

They recognised the decisive actions taken following the 2025 outcomes, highlighting the additional teaching, daily interventions and small-group support that are helping pupils rapidly close gaps in their learning.

The report also notes that pupils demonstrate secure understanding in lessons, apply their phonics knowledge accurately and show clear progress in their written work.

Curriculum and Teaching

Ofsted found that our ambitious curriculum is taught well and that teachers use secure subject knowledge to support pupils' learning.

Inspectors praised the regular professional development provided for staff and recognised the effective strategies teachers use to support pupils with SEND, ensuring they learn successfully alongside their peers.

The report highlights strengths in reading, phonics, mathematics and communication, while acknowledging the positive impact of our recently introduced handwriting and spelling curriculum.

Early Years

The inspection recognised the excellent start children receive in Nursery and Reception.

Inspectors commented that:

"Children in the early years experience a positive start to their education."

They praised our ambitious curriculum, nurturing environment and the high quality of care provided by staff.

The report celebrates the significant improvements in children's achievement, noting that children make sustained progress from often low starting points and are well prepared for Year 1.

Inspectors also recognised our engaging outdoor provision, communication and language development, and the swift identification and support provided for children with additional needs.

Attendance and Behaviour

The report highlights the school's calm, orderly and welcoming environment.

Inspectors found that staff have high expectations and that pupils understand the school's routines and values well.

They noted that:

"Bullying and unkindness are rare and not tolerated."

The report also praises the positive relationships between pupils and adults, recognising that children enjoy talking to teachers, confidently greet visitors and value the friendships they make.

Inspectors recognised the work undertaken to improve attendance, noting that attendance has steadily improved over time and that persistent absence continues to reduce.

Leadership and Governance

Ofsted praised the leadership of the school, recognising the positive culture that has been established and the ambition leaders have for every child.

The report states:

"The school is well led."

Inspectors recognised that leaders:

"are ambitious for pupils, advocate for them when necessary and provide effective pastoral support and care. They are determined that no child is left behind."

The report also acknowledges the strength of governance, describing governors as skilled and knowledgeable who provide both support and challenge.

Perhaps one of the most pleasing comments relates to our staff, with inspectors noting:

"Staff are proud to work at the school."

Personal Development and Wellbeing

The inspection recognised the extensive opportunities available to pupils beyond the classroom.

Inspectors praised our inclusive approach to personal development, recognising the carefully designed PSHE curriculum, opportunities to develop leadership through roles such as prefects and sports leaders, and the wide range of clubs, educational visits and residential experiences available to children.

The report also celebrates our commitment to mental health and wellbeing, recognising the specialist support available to pupils alongside the work undertaken by trained staff.

What it is like to be a pupil at Lemington Riverside

One of the most rewarding sections of the report captures the experience of our pupils.

Inspectors found that:

"Pupils at Lemington Riverside develop a sense of community and belonging."

They recognised that our school value, #WeAreLemington, is lived out every day, with pupils treating one another with fairness, kindness and respect.

The report also highlights the wide range of opportunities provided for pupils, including residential visits, cultural experiences and international travel, ensuring that financial barriers are removed wherever possible so every child can participate.

Looking ahead

As with every inspection, Ofsted identified areas for further development. These include embedding recent curriculum developments to further strengthen pupils' basic skills, refining assessment across the wider curriculum and continuing to improve attendance.

These priorities closely align with our own school improvement plans and will continue to shape our work over the coming years.

A message from the Headteacher

We are incredibly proud of this report because it reflects the values that define Lemington Riverside Primary School.

Being recognised as Strong for Inclusion is particularly meaningful. It acknowledges the relentless commitment of our staff, the support of our families, the challenge and encouragement of our governors and, most importantly, the resilience, kindness and achievements of our wonderful children.

I would like to thank every member of our school community for the part they have played in this success. Together, we have created a school where children feel safe, valued, included and inspired to achieve their very best.

The full Ofsted report is available to read using the link below.

#WeAreLemington