Roundwood Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

Roundwood is a good school.

Pupils achieve well in both their academic and personal development. Parents, carers and pupils appreciate the good quality care and exciting learning opportunities. One parental comment summed up the views of the vast majority: 'We are delighted our children attend such a friendly, caring school where they are encouraged to enjoy learning.

The children love going to school and they make good progress.' Pupils were equally positive. One pupil spoke for many when saying, 'School is fun, we like learning and the way the teachers teach us, work is interesting.'

These are the key strengths of the school. Children settle into the Reception class extremely well... and make good progress in all areas of learning because induction for parents and carers and their children is effective. Good teaching enables pupils to make good progress as they move through the school.

Many parents commented on the dedicated staff. Attainment in English, mathematics and science is above average. Pupils achieve very well in music and information and communication technology (ICT).

Relationships between pupils and adults are strong and the school ethos is supportive; consequently, pupils make good gains in their personal development. Pupils have an excellent understanding of how to keep themselves safe and how to lead healthy lifestyles. Older pupils plan and lead whole-school 'Wake and Shake' lunchtime activity sessions extremely well.

The vast majority of pupils enjoy coming to school and this is reflected in rising attendance levels. Pupils' behaviour around the school is exemplary and pupils are polite and highly considerate in lessons. Care, guidance and support are strong, so pupils are enthusiastic learners who have a mature attitude to their work.

The school supports vulnerable pupils very well. Pupils enjoy the curriculum. Provision for music is a particular strength.

Parents and carers appreciate specialist teaching and the good opportunities for pupils to sing in the school choir and play musical instruments such as the African drums. The headteacher and senior management team are good role models who lead the school effectively and have a clear vision for its future improvement. They are appropriately supported by the governing body.

Good links with parents and carers support pupils' learning well. Parents particularly appreciate the informative newsletters and the improved communication this year. Well-developed links with the local community and external agencies contribute effectively to pupils' learning and their well-being.

These are the key areas for improvement which remain. Promotion of community cohesion is strong within the school and local community; it is less well developed at national and global level. Pupils' understanding of diversity in United Kingdom is not as strong as other areas of their cultural development.

The challenge to extend more-able pupils is not always consistent and teachers sometimes miss opportunities to stretch pupils to achieve well. A continual drive for improvement is underpinned by effective systems for evaluating the strengths and further areas for development of the school. The school's good organisation and strong, shared vision underpin its good capacity to continue moving forward.

Information about the school

Roundwood is a small primary school situated on two sites two miles apart in the villages of Gawcott and Tingewick. In 2007 the infant schools in Tingewick and Gawcott amalgamated to become Roundwood Primary School. 2010 was the first year with Year 6 pupils.

Most pupils are White British, a very small minority are from minority ethnic groups and a few are Romany or Gypsy. The percentage of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average and no pupils are in the early stages of learning English. The percentage of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average, although the proportion with a statement of special educational needs is above average.

Their main needs relate to learning and physical difficulties. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is average. Early Years Foundation Stage provision is in the Reception class.

The headteacher has been in post since September 2011. There is a pre-school on the Tingewick school site. This provision is not managed by the governing body and is inspected separately.

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