Rode Methodist VC First School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and governors have undertaken extensive work to federate the school successfully with Norton St Philip Church of England First School. During this time, leaders have ensured that pupils receive a good quality of education.

While there was some anxiety among parents during the federation process, this has evaporated. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the quality of education and care that their children receive. The executive headteacher is steadfast in her determination to provide pupils with the best quality of education and care.

Senior leaders new in post are highly skilled, knowledgeable and passionate practitioners. H...owever, it is only recently that they have had the opportunity to share this expertise more widely across the school. Leaders, including governors, have a clear, honest and accurate view of the school's strengths and areas for development.

Detailed plans are in place to tackle weaknesses. The curriculum excites and motivates pupils. It enables pupils to learn skills and acquire knowledge in a range of subjects.

Provision in the early years is good. This is because children are well looked after, taught well and make good progress. Most pupils make good progress.

However, teachers do not consistently provide pupils with sufficient challenge to enable them, especially the most able, to make stronger progress in writing and mathematics. The quality of pupils' writing across the wider curriculum is too variable. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is very well developed.

The school's core values are threaded throughout the curriculum. Pupils behave extremely well. They are courteous, polite and mutually supportive.

Most pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils are proud of their school. They enjoy their learning.

This is reflected in their regular attendance. The governing body strengthens leadership. Governors are dedicated, know the school well and are increasingly holding leaders to account.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. Rode Methodist First School is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The school federated with Norton St Philip Church of England First School in March 2016 to secure the long-term future of the schools.

The current school leadership team was established in September 2017. Pupils are taught predominantly in single age classes. Reception children and Year 1 pupils are taught at Norton St Philip.

Years 2, 3 and 4 are taught at Rode Methodist VC First School. Pupils travel by minibus to the appropriate school. The majority of pupils are from a White British background.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is well below the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is below the national average. There are currently no pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan.

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