Redbrook Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have worked with determination and dedication to successfully improve the areas for development identified at the previous inspection. Governors are committed and supportive of staff. However, they are not rigorous or systematic enough in their challenge to fully understand how well leaders' actions are bringing about improvements.

Subject leaders are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their areas of responsibility. They have implemented consistent ways of working and are now developing their skills to closely evaluate the impact of their actions. Leaders have successfully introduced a coherent approach to teaching and the use of assessm...ent.

Pupils respond regularly to teachers' guidance. However, the legacy of weaker teaching is shown, particularly in key stage 2, where pupils are not always accurate in their spelling, punctuation and understanding of phonics. Pupils are enthusiastic about the new curriculum approach.

They relish the opportunity to extend their thinking and make links across different areas of their learning. Leaders continue to work with the community to stress the importance of good attendance, particularly for those pupils who miss school regularly. Disadvantaged pupils benefit from additional interventions, but leaders do not evaluate these precisely enough to highlight which strategies are working and which are not.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have their social, emotional and behavioural needs well supported. However, because interventions are not aligned sharply enough to pupils' academic needs, this group of pupils make variable progress. The most able pupils are not always challenged to apply their mathematical reasoning to solve problems.

Pupils are curious and engaged. Older pupils look after younger pupils which promotes a harmonious and welcoming environment. There have been considerable improvements to the early years phase since the last inspection.

The quality of provision is good and the small number of children who attend are better prepared for key stage 1. Leaders have ensured that the work to support pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development benefits pupils and prepares them well for the future.

Information about this school

The school received a short inspection in October 2018.

Although the school was judged still to be good, the inspector identified some priorities for improvement. Redbrook Church of England Primary School is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Pupils are taught in two classes.

The proportion of pupils who join the school either mid-year or at points other than in Reception is higher than is typical nationally. The school is part of the Wye Valley Federation, consisting of two primary schools. The executive headteacher was appointed in September 2017.

Since this time, there have been considerable changes in staffing and leadership roles. The majority of pupils are from a White British background. The school has four of the 17 ethnic groups.

The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is below the national average. The number of pupils with SEND is above the national average. The number of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is lower than the national average.

Governors are awaiting the outcome of the recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools, to assess the school's distinctiveness and effectiveness as a church school. The previous inspection in 2015 deemed the school to be 'satisfactory'. There are three children who attend the early years provision.