The Vineyard School, in Richmond has been rated 'good' following a routine inspection from Ofsted, in November. 

The inspection took place on 7 and 8 November 2023 and the report was published at the beginning of this month.  

The school was last inspected in June 2013 where it received a rating of 'Outstanding'. 

From then until November 2020, the school was exempted by law from routine inspection, so there has been a longer gap than usual between graded inspections. 

Ofsted found that pupils are happy, feel safe, and enjoy the school. 

The report said: "They want to come to school and attend regularly. Pupils live up to leaders' high expectations for their behaviour.  

"They show respect for other pupils and for staff. Pupils know that if they have any concerns, they can turn to an adult for help. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' achievement.  

"Pupils achieve well across a range of subjects, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  

"Leaders have successfully redesigned an ambitious curriculum. They provide pupils with a stimulating and caring environment, where they can thrive." 

It added that pupils at the school benefit from a 'wealth' of sporting, creative, and cultural opportunities. 

It said: "They are enthusiastic about participating in the many sports teams and clubs such as karate, running and football.  

"Pupils are keen to take on extra responsibilities such as becoming kindness ambassadors and they want to make a difference to their school." 

The report added that the curriculum at the school meets the needs of pupils and in most subjects, all children are supported to build on their prior knowledge and skills. 

It said: ". In most subjects, teachers are responsive to the assessment information they gather, to check pupils' knowledge of the curriculum.  

"However, in some subjects, teaching is not adapted well enough to check and address pupils' misconceptions.  

"This means that pupils' knowledge and understanding is not secure or fully developed." 

The school provides bespoke support programmes for vulnerable pupils and staff promote care, respect, and tolerance meaningfully in all aspects of pupils' lives. 

Safeguarding at the school is effective and support is tailored to all children, including SEND pupils.  

The report added that most staff feel that leaders' decisions have had a positive impact on their workload and well-being. 

The Vineyard School has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded. 

Read the full report here.