Tom Cragg
Head of Client Success, MFL Consultant and Examiner, School Governor, former Head Teacher
At ProgressTeaching, we are always inspired by the incredible work happening in schools across the country. This week, we had the pleasure of visiting Riverside School in Barking, where their unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of feedback and openness is driving exceptional results.
Building and maintaining such a culture is no small feat, but Riverside has implemented a range of evidence-based and innovative strategies to support its teachers and pupils. These efforts are clearly paying off, as seen in the school’s excellent outcomes and glowing Ofsted report.
Here are some of the key approaches Riverside has adopted to create and sustain this culture:
Frequent and Timely Feedback
Teachers receive feedback at least once every two weeks, ensuring a continuous cycle of improvement. Feedback is always delivered face-to-face within 24 hours of the observed lesson, leaving teachers feeling empowered.Dedicated Coaching and Support
Every teacher participates in a one-hour coaching session each week, following a structured agenda within the school’s bespoke ‘Teacher Tracker’. These sessions focus on actionable targets, with support provided through the innovative ‘See it / Plan it / Practise it’ model.Collaboration and Expertise Sharing
Teachers are encouraged to learn from each other. As part of the ‘See it’ stage, staff can consult with senior leaders to identify whose lessons to observe or whose pupils’ work would offer valuable insights to help them achieve their goals.Ongoing Professional Development
In addition to the coaching sessions, teachers benefit from one hour of dedicated departmental CPD time each week. This time is used for teams to work collaboratively on specific themes, further enhancing their practice.
A Model Worth Emulating
Creating the flexibility in teachers’ timetables to accommodate such initiatives requires significant investment. However, Riverside’s leadership team has demonstrated that this approach is well worth it. Their systems empower teachers, which in turn has a tangible impact on pupil outcomes, making it a model that other schools may wish to explore.
Inspired by Excellence
During our visit, we were struck by the dedication and detailed reflection underpinning Riverside’s approach. The commitment to coaching, collaboration, and continuous improvement has clearly created a thriving learning environment for both teachers and pupils.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tom Blandford and Jackie Hilton for sharing their insights and for their openness in showcasing Riverside’s outstanding practices.
For those interested in learning more about the strategies mentioned, we would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us to discuss how these themes might align with your school’s goals.
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