Romiley Primary School, located in Stockport, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 10-11, 2020. The school provides a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and appreciate the variety of clubs and activities available, such as French, pottery, and chess. The school promotes a sense of community, and parents value the caring nature of the staff, who are approachable and supportive. Pupils express feeling safe and well cared for, with a strong emphasis on good behavior and minimal bullying incidents. They take pride in their learning and are eager to share their work.
The leadership at Romiley Primary School is effective, with high expectations set for all pupils. The headteacher is well-regarded for managing the school and considering staff work-life balance, which contributes to a positive working environment. Newly qualified teachers quickly integrate into the team, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. The curriculum is ambitious, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. In subjects like science, pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of concepts, as evidenced by their ability to explain complex topics such as the circulatory system.
Pupils have shown significant attainment in reading, consistently performing above the national average in key stages one and two, as well as in the Year 1 phonics screening check. The reading curriculum is effective, ensuring that early years children acquire the necessary phonics knowledge to become proficient readers. In key stage two, pupils read with fluency and enthusiasm, supported by staff who monitor their progress closely and provide assistance to those who may be falling behind.
Writing instruction at the school is designed to help pupils express themselves meaningfully. Teachers focus on building a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. However, some pupils in key stage two struggle with retaining spelling patterns, which affects their writing accuracy across subjects. The school recognizes this area for improvement and aims to enhance the curriculum to address these gaps.
The early years provision is strong, with staff effectively using assessments to identify and address gaps in children's knowledge. This ensures that children are well-prepared for their transition into Year 1. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disadvantaged pupils is well-structured, with staff receiving valuable guidance from the SEND leader.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in classrooms and during transitions, showing respect for their peers and contributing to a calm school environment. The school provides numerous opportunities for personal development, including roles in the school council and as play leaders, which help foster a sense of responsibility and understanding of equality and diversity among pupils.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The curriculum includes lessons on online safety and healthy living, ensuring that pupils are well-informed about how to keep themselves safe.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some subject leaders need a more comprehensive understanding of the quality of pupils' work beyond English and mathematics. This limitation can hinder the ability to tailor the curriculum to meet pupils' needs effectively. Additionally, addressing the retention of spelling knowledge will be crucial for enhancing writing skills across the curriculum. Overall, Romiley Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
