There are clear routines and expectations to support pupils’ behaviour at Riverbank Primary School. Staff consider the individual needs of pupils as expectations may need to be adapted. Pupils benefit from a positive start to their day. Staff warmly greet pupils each morning. This creates a caring and calm atmosphere as pupils move off to their classroom. Skilled staff communicate well with pupils to help them to manage their behaviour. Pupils know what bullying is. They would tell an adult if they thought it was happening to someone. Pupils are safe at the school. They trust the adults to help and support them. The in-house clinical team use speech and language and play therapies to support pupils’ communication and social skills. Educational psychologists provide extra support. Relationships between staff and pupils are positive, nurturing and caring. Pupils’ mental health and social and emotional development are central to everything the school does. Leaders rightly prioritise this along with safeguarding. However, pupils do not learn consistently well in some areas of the wider curriculum. There has not been a sharp enough focus on ensuring that there is a rigorous approach to teaching phonics. Pupils experience lessons outdoors, where they learn about the natural environment. This helps them to manage risks and become active and independent.