Special
Ofsted Good
About Riverside Community Special School
Riverside Community Special School is a primary school for pupils who have special educational needs, including those with social and communication difficulties, autism, speech and language difficulties, and learning difficulties. We currently have places for 149 pupils spread across our 14 classes for pupils from Reception to Year 6. We prioritise pupils wellbeing and mental health by providing a learning environment where they feel safe and happy.
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Key Facts
Students
149
Head/Principal
Mrs Josie Payne (interim) and Mrs Jodie Hope (from January 2026)
Rating Breakdown
Based on published reviews
Safety & Security
5.0
Teaching Quality
4.5
Communication
4.5
Student Wellbeing
5.0
Facilities
4.5
School Workforce
Teacher and staff information • 2024-2025
Note: These figures are estimated based on national averages. Actual school-level data not yet available.
20.0:1
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Good
7.6
Teachers (FTE)
Estimated workforce data based on GIAS enrollment and national average ratios. Academic year 2024-2025.
Help other parents - share your experience!
Riverside Community Special School has 3 reviews. Your honest review helps families make better school decisions.
Reviews 3
E
Emily P
Unconfirmed
Parent
Sep 1, 2022
5.0
"A wonderful experience at Riverside!"
We've had our child at Riverside for two years now, and it's been a game-changer. They love going to school, and we love the values of 'Achieve, Belong, Celebrate' that they're instilling in them. The facilities are excellent, and the staff are so caring and supportive. We can't recommend Riverside highly enough!
Safety & Wellbeing
5/5
Teaching & Learning
5/5
Communication
5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
5/5
Facilities
5/5
D
David B
Unconfirmed
Parent
May 1, 2021
5.0
"Excellent support for complex needs"
Riverside has been a lifesaver for our child, who has complex communication and understanding needs. The Makaton and visual timetables have really helped them feel more secure and confident. The staff are incredibly supportive and understanding, and we feel like they're really listening to us as parents.
Safety & Wellbeing
5/5
Teaching & Learning
4/5
Communication
4/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
5/5
Facilities
4/5
S
Sarah J
Unconfirmed
Parent
Feb 1, 2020
4.0
"Good and bad experiences"
We took our child out of Riverside after two years when we felt they weren't getting the right kind of support. That being said, the school did a lot to try and help them, and we appreciate the time and effort the staff put in. It's just a shame they didn't have the right resources and expertise to support our child's complex needs.
Safety & Wellbeing
3/5
Teaching & Learning
3/5
Communication
4/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
4/5
Facilities
3/5
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