Roding Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish in this welcoming and inclusive school that fosters friendship. It equips deaf and hearing pupils with the skills to become fluent British Sign Language (BSL) communicators.

This shared language develops understanding between pupils. Older pupils in particular value the communication skills they acquire.

The school sets high standards for pupils to learn well and succeed.

Its actions demonstrate the school's vision of 'Free to Achieve'. The high quality of support that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive gives them the best chance to learn well. All pupils achieve well.

Pupils behave considerately ...and respect each other's differences. They are happy to help their peers succeed in all aspects of school life. Pupils are confident that staff will help them swiftly should they have any concerns.

Pupils are encouraged to develop new talents and interests. The school gives pupils the support they need to attend clubs, from cheerleading and choir to magic maths. Pupils carry out many varied leadership responsibilities, such as being charity champions, play leaders or part of the democratically elected school council.

Pupils are responsible citizens. They take pride as 'Guardians of the Green' and make their locality a better place.

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

The school has designed a well-planned curriculum.

It has also made sure that teachers' subject knowledge is strong. Typically, teachers explain things clearly and assess pupils' understanding regularly. Pupils talk confidently about what they know and understand.

For example, older pupils talk eagerly about their learning in programming. They explain knowledgably how they use codes to manoeuvre toys in several directions, adding sound and different backgrounds. The school has also provided staff with information about the subject-specific vocabulary that pupils should know.

However, some subject leaders more recently appointed to their roles than others have not had time to provide support to staff to help them deliver these subjects as effectively. Sometimes, teachers do not make sure that pupils learn and master correct letter formation and the spelling of subject-specific vocabulary. As a result, pupils do not learn as well as they could across all subjects.

Pupils benefit from a broad and ambitious curriculum. However, the school has prioritised teaching BSL, and pupils' only experience of learning a foreign language is through the Spanish club. This means that the school has not made sure that pupils learn a foreign language within curriculum time.

It is addressing this.

The school places great emphasis on teaching pupils to read. Staff are well trained and provide pupils with effective support to help them become avid readers.

Reading books are well matched to the sounds pupils know. As a result, pupils read fluently by the end of Year 1. Those who need extra help with phonics are well supported and catch up quickly.

Pupils with SEND, including those who are in the specially resourced provision, learn to read confidently. They approach their reading activities and experiences enthusiastically.

In the early years, children sustain concentration through a wide range of well-planned resources and engaging activities, including those that develop their fine motor skills.

Children enjoy the number songs and rhymes they learn. Right from the start of early years, teachers quickly identify children with SEND. Staff provide suitable equipment and set clear expectations for pupils about how to complete their work.

Pupils use various resources, including technology, to help them build their knowledge effectively. Consequently, pupils with SEND learn and achieve well.Teachers manage pupils' behaviour consistently.

Sometimes, some pupils take longer than others to focus on their learning. A minority find managing their emotions and behaviour difficult. When this happens, the school is quick to act and provide the right support.

The school addresses behaviour issues effectively.The school emphasises the importance of regular attendance. It takes appropriate and timely action to make sure that, where necessary, pupils' attendance continues to increase.

Pupils reflect regularly on the school's values, such as when learning about Rosa Parks and the fight for human rights. The well-attended yearly International Day allows pupils to share food and traditions and encourages respect for the diversity of the community. During Deaf Awareness Week, a range of inspiring deaf role models come into school.

The school organises many activities, such as educational visits and guest speakers, which enrich and bring pupils' learning to life.

The governing body is knowledgeable. It holds the school to account for the quality of education and knows well what needs to improve further.

Staff are happy and proud to work here. They appreciate the efforts the school makes to reduce their workload and promote their well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• The checks that teachers make on pupils' written work in some subjects do not address correct letter formation and the spelling of important subject-specific vocabulary routinely well. As a result, pupils do not learn as well as they could. The school should make sure that subject leaders equip teachers to address any weaknesses in pupils' work quickly so that pupils demonstrate and use their knowledge of the curriculum confidently.

The school has prioritised BSL and does not provide the opportunity for pupils to study a foreign language in the timetabled curriculum. This means that pupils are not well equipped for their learning in secondary school. The school should review the curriculum subjects on offer and ensure that it teaches all aspects of the foreign languages curriculum so that pupils are fully prepared for the next stage of their education.