Rockwell Green Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Staff at Rockwell Green make sure that pupils experience the school's motto: 'Sharing life in all its fullness'. Pupils enjoy learning the school's curriculum. The curriculum is broad and ambitious.

Leaders enrich it with extra events. These include artist visits, theatre company performances and a competitive speaking competition.

Pupils are proud to take on responsibilities in school, for example as reading champions.

Pupils learn about democracy. The elected 'pupil taskforce' helped to choose the school's values. Pupils say that they see these values in action each day.

Pupils take an active role in the wider community. They learn about respect an...d service through links with the Royal British Legion. Pupils work with a dementia project, spending time with residents at a local centre.

They learn to care for the environment through their forest school sessions.

Pupils are clear about the high expectations that staff have of them. Pupils treat one another kindly.

They work hard in lessons. Staff make sure that pupils are safe in school. There are effective processes for dealing with any incidents.

Bullying happens very rarely. It is not tolerated.

Parents appreciate the good communication that they receive about what pupils are learning.

They describe staff as warm and approachable.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have rightly put reading at the heart of their curriculum. Their imaginative and effective actions promote a love of reading through the school.

Leaders provide a wide range of books for pupils to read. They give time for staff to discuss books with one another. Leaders invite parents into school to read with pupils.

From the pre-school onwards, staff read well-chosen books to pupils every day. As a result, pupils learn to love reading.

Leaders have put in place a rigorous approach to teaching phonics.

This begins from the start of pupils' time in school. Expert staff teach pupils in daily sessions. Leaders check often that pupils are learning well.

They put in place effective support to ensure that pupils do not fall behind. The books that pupils read match the sounds they are learning. Older pupils are taught to widen their vocabulary.

They discuss books thoughtfully and learn to read aloud expressively.

In many curriculum subjects, including mathematics, leaders have made clear decisions about what pupils should learn and in what order. This helps pupils to build their knowledge.

Year 6 pupils, for example, can recall what they learned about coding in previous years. They understand how this helps them to develop their knowledge further. In some subjects, however, leaders have not made clear what pupils will learn and how this should develop.

In these subjects, pupils do not learn as well as they could.

Leaders want to make further improvements to the curriculum. They have put in place plans and systems to do this.

In some subjects, leaders have a precise understanding of what pupils know and remember. They use this information to make further improvements to the curriculum. This is not yet in place for all subjects.

Teachers skilfully help pupils to discuss their learning. They teach pupils ways to listen carefully to one another. Pupils learn how to explain their thoughts.

Teachers regularly check to find any gaps or confusions. They change their teaching in response.

Teachers make clear to pupils how they are to behave in lessons.

From the pre-school onwards, teachers use well-practised routines and signals. These help pupils to concentrate. Pupils are calm and orderly as they move around school.

When behaviour is not appropriate, leaders take effective action. They make sure that learning is not disrupted.

Leaders provide a wide range of opportunities to support pupils' personal development.

Pupils learn how these relate to the school's values. They are taught to understand and appreciate difference in the world. Pupils learn how to keep themselves and others safe.

Leaders make sure that the curriculum is suitable for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They have put in place strong systems to identify particular needs. Staff make adaptations to include pupils with SEND in all aspects of school life.

Leaders work well with outside experts. This helps them to better understand and meet the needs of pupils with SEND.

Governors know and promote the school's vision.

They challenge and support leaders. Governors check what is working well. Staff have confidence in leaders.

They say that leaders support them. Leaders consult staff about any changes. They have built a team with strong, shared values.

Everyone works together for the good of the pupils.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders make sure that all staff are well trained to keep pupils safe.

Staff report any concerns to leaders quickly. Leaders respond diligently. They keep detailed records of their actions.

Leaders work well with other agencies. They have thorough procedures for the safe recruitment of staff.

Leaders build strong and respectful relationships with parents.

This allows them to take effective actions to keep pupils safe. Leaders provide parents with useful information, especially about safety online. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe in a variety of situations.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In some subjects, leaders have not made clear what pupils will learn and how this develops. In these subjects, pupils do not learn as well as they could. Leaders must identify precisely what they want pupils to know and remember in all curriculum subjects.

• In some subjects, leaders do not have a precise understanding of what pupils know and remember. This means that their plans for improving these subjects are not as well focused as their plans for other subjects. Leaders must ensure that all subject leaders develop a precise understanding of the extent of pupils' learning so that they can make well-grounded improvements to the curriculum.