Rockbeare Church of England Primary School and Pre-School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The high expectations from leaders and staff create a calm, respectful learning environment where pupils' behaviour is good and they progress well.

Pupils are confident, self-assured and prepared well for their next steps in education. The headteacher displays determination and drive. Since her arrival, she has overseen rapid improvement in the quality of teaching and learning.

Governors support and challenge school leaders effectively. The governing body has provided stability during a period of considerable change. Governors are ambitious for pupils and know the school very well.

Governors recently became responsible for the on...-site pre-school. This has proved to be a successful move. Children make a strong start to their education and this prepares them well for learning in Reception.

Children make good progress in the Reception Year. The proportion of children achieving the expected standard at the end of the year is above the national average. Some of the most able children do not reach higher standards, particularly in their writing.

The teaching of phonics is good. All pupils achieved the expected standard in Year 1 in 2017. Pupils achieve well in mathematics and become confident mathematicians.

Teachers challenge pupils to use their skills to solve problems that are more complex and to explain their thinking. Pupils enjoy their learning, particularly their reading sessions. Most pupils read widely and complete a wide range of activities to support their reading both at school and at home.

Some disadvantaged pupils, however, do not receive the extra reading and writing support that they need to help them to thrive. Pupils develop their grammar, punctuation and handwriting skills well. However, some of the most able pupils do not reach higher standards, particularly in writing.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. This primary school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school. The school includes a pre-school, situated on site.

This caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds on a part-time basis. The proportion of pupils receiving support through the pupil premium is well below average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is broadly average.