Welcome to Ribbon Academy

I am very proud to welcome you to Ribbon Academy Trust.

It is a privilege to lead such a wonderful academy, full of happy, well-behaved, hard-working children who are a pleasure to teach, and to be part of a caring, talented and dedicated team of adults.

At Ribbon, we strive to make every child and adult feel that they are valued and unique and that they are an important part of the school as we strive to ‘Grow Together’. We seek to create an inclusive community, where everybody is valued and nurtured. People routinely comment on the friendly atmosphere that exists in the school, but also notice that it has a great sense of purpose and quality.

We are committed to the achievement of every single child regardless of his or her ability. We are proud to say that our children make excellent progress from their starting points and achieve outstanding outcomes. All staff endeavour to make every lesson engaging and enjoyable for all pupils and, as a result, our children are keen to learn and to try their very best because they want to succeed. Children at Ribbon are are polite, well mannered, courteous and have excellent attitudes to learning.

We hope you enjoy finding out more about Ribbon by exploring this site!

  • Mrs Ashleigh Sheridan – Head Teacher

We firmly believe that each child has individual needs and a right to develop at a pace that ensures each one reaches his or her full potential.

We aim to do this by:

 

✓ Having high aspirations and achievable expectations;
✓ Providing a broad and balanced curriculum;
✓ Offering opportunities in all areas of learning;
✓ Adapting teaching styles;
✓ Encouragement and valuing children’s contributions;
✓ Effectively planning and assessing children’s work;
✓ Providing appropriate resources;
✓ Offering broad moral, cultural and spiritual support.

Our Current School Attendance

At Ribbon, we value highly both attendance and punctuality with our weekly target of 97%+ attendance and our strive to get all children into school before 9:00am each day.

Here are our Attendance Charts from September 2025 to Friday 30th January 2026. It’s so important that our children make the most of every single minute in school.

Reception attendance – 91%
Year 1 attendance – 95%
Year 2 attendance – 96%
Year 3 attendance – 95%
Year 4 attendance – 95%
Year 5 attendance – 92%
Year 6 attendance – 94%
Whole school attendance – 94%

A film about our school

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** Inclusion Coffee Afternoon **

This afternoon, we are hosting an Inclusion Coffee Afternoon, and you’re warmly invited to join us.

We will provide a calm, welcoming space where you can connect with other families, chat with supportive external agencies like SENDIASS, Family Hub and MCT, and explore helpful information about local support pathways.

We’d love to see you there and share a friendly cuppa together.💚

Mrs Flower (AHT for Inclusion & SENDCo)
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** Inclusion Coffee
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** Supporting Benny’s Life‑Saving Treatment **

We have been incredibly moved by Benny’s story and would like to do our part to help raise funds for his life‑saving treatment in Rome:

🍰On Friday 13th February, we will be holding a 'Bake Sale' to support Benny.

🍰Children are invited to bring boxed cakes and biscuits (nut free) to sell within their teams, and we will also sell cakes for 50p at breaktime.

🍰Every penny raised will go directly to this very special charity supporting Benny and bid to travel to Rome.

Thank you, as always, for your kindness and generosity. 💚
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** Supporting Benny�
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** East Durham Fitness **

This afternoon, Year 4/Team 13 had a fantastic afternoon taking part in fitness activities at East Durham Fitness. They definitely worked up a sweat and will no doubt sleep well tonight. A huge thank you to the staff for making the visit so enjoyable and welcoming. 💚

For more information on what's on offer head to: www.eastdurhamfitness.com
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** East Durham FitneImage attachmentImage attachment
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🌟 Children's Mental Heath Week 2026: 9–13 February 🌟

This year’s theme is “This is My Place”, and throughout the week children will be taking part in a range of activities in school. Teachers will also be having meaningful conversations with pupils about mental health and what helps them feel safe, calm and happy.

We would love our Ribbon families to join in at home too!

🗺️ Family Activity: Create a “This is My Place” Map

We are asking children to create a map that shows their special place. This might be a real place they love or an imaginary place where they feel completely themselves. Their map can be as simple or as detailed as they choose.

Here are some ideas they might include:
• 📚 A cosy corner with pillows and books
• 🎮 Games consoles, ⚽ sports equipment, ➕ maths symbols or 🎵 musical notes for activities they enjoy
• 💛 Friendship bracelets or symbols representing important friends
• 🌿 Plants, animals, or a favourite outdoor spot in nature
• 🏫 Buildings or places they visit regularly, including meeting spaces or places of worship
• 🚍 Vehicles like buses, cars or trains that take them to meaningful places: family days out, visits with friends, or a favourite walk or park
The “This is My Place” maps will be shared and celebrated during assembly.

For extra inspiration, please take a look at the video below
youtu.be/QHRaeZePGyg

Please upload all “This is My Place” Maps to your class portfolios by 11 February 2026 so that we can share them in assembly on 13 February 2026.

We can't wait to see what you create!

Mrs Bingham (PSHE Leader)
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🌟 Childrens Menta
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‘Leadership and Management: Leadership and management are rated “Good”. Leaders have high ambitions for every pupil, and there is a strong culture of mutual support and teamwork among the staff. The governing body and trustees are knowledgeable and committed to the success of the pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Reading is a priority, with an effective phonics program starting in early years, fostering a love for reading among pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Personal development is “Outstanding”, offering a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Reading and Literacy: Reading is prioritised, with an effective phonics program starting in the early years. Pupils’ love for reading is nurtured through various competitions and a well-stocked library.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Early Years Provision: The provision for early years is rated “Outstanding”. The staff provide an exceptional range of carefully planned learning activities that encourage curiosity, independence, and the development of spoken language from day one.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Community and Extracurricular Activities: Pupils engage in activities like ‘Ribbon Radio’ and the ‘Poets’ Podium’, developing confidence and showcasing their talents. The school also runs breakfast clubs, after-school activities, and a community café, enhancing the sense of community and belonging.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Personal Development: Personal development at the school is rated “Outstanding”. The curriculum provides a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school gates, including educational visits and active citizenship opportunities.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The Ribbon Academy is rated as “Good” overall, reflecting high standards in various aspects of school performance.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Pupils thrive in an inclusive, nurturing environment where their accomplishments are celebrated.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The school provides rich extracurricular opportunities, such as “Ribbon Radio” and the “Poets’ Podium”, which help develop pupils’ confidence.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Leadership and management are “Good”, demonstrating high ambitions for all pupils and a strong culture of mutual support among staff.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Safety and Well-being: Pupils feel safe at the school, describing it as a “safe spot”. There is a strong culture of safeguarding, with effective systems in place to report and follow up on concerns. The pastoral team works tirelessly to ensure the welfare of all pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Behaviour and Attitudes: Behaviour and attitudes at the school are rated “Good”. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s values.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Parents are highly supportive of the school, agreeing that their children are happy and well-supported.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Quality of Education: The quality of education provided is considered “Good”. The curriculum is broad, inspiring, and well-thought-out, enabling pupils to build on their knowledge progressively.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Early years provision is rated “Outstanding”, with staff providing a magical learning journey that encourages curiosity and independence.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The school has a strong safeguarding culture, with effective systems in place to ensure the welfare and safety of all pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Inclusivity and Nurturing Environment: The school is described as inclusive and nurturing, with high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievements. Celebratory displays showcase pupils’ accomplishments, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Behaviour and attitudes are rated “Good”, with pupils showing positive behaviour both in and out of lessons.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The quality of education at the school is “Good”, with a broad and inspiring curriculum that builds knowledge progressively.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Pupils feel safe and have positive attitudes towards learning, understanding and demonstrating the school’s values.’

OFSTED COMMENTS