Rawmarsh Thorogate Junior and Infant School, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on January 11 and 12, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all receiving the same rating. However, early years provision was noted to require improvement. The school had previously been rated as good in its last inspection in November 2019.
Pupils at Rawmarsh Thorogate feel well cared for, happy, and safe. They develop strong relationships with peers and staff, with older pupils taking responsibility for younger ones during various school activities. Attendance is high, indicating that pupils enjoy coming to school. The school has established clear behaviour rules, leading to a calm environment where pupils are attentive and engaged in their learning. Pupils are aware of what constitutes bullying and trust that their teachers will address any incidents.
The leadership team has high expectations for all pupils, aiming for success in both academic and personal development. The curriculum is designed to provide a good quality of education, although some children in the early years do not learn as effectively as older pupils. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, sports, and other creative pursuits, which contribute to a well-rounded education. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as sports councillors, fostering a sense of responsibility and community.
Pupils' welfare is prioritized, with mental well-being supported through various initiatives. Active playgrounds promote teamwork and social interaction among pupils, helping them appreciate diversity. The school has implemented a strong reading program, ensuring that all pupils develop good reading skills from an early age. Attractive libraries and daily reading opportunities further enhance the love of reading among students.
While children in the early years are generally happy and engaged, the learning environment lacks sufficient opportunities for independent learning. Leaders are working on improving the early years curriculum to better define the knowledge children should acquire during independent play. The curriculum for key stage one and key stage two is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge effectively.
Teachers employ effective questioning techniques to encourage deep thinking, particularly in subjects like mathematics. However, in some areas, such as science, assessment systems to track long-term knowledge retention are less developed. This can lead to gaps in pupils' understanding, which may hinder their progress. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring they can access the full curriculum.
The school has established strong relationships with governors and the local authority, who provide informed support and challenge. Staff members appreciate the training and support they receive, which helps them manage their workload effectively. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns about pupil safety. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, both online and in the community.
To improve, the school needs to enhance opportunities for independent learning in the early years and refine assessment procedures to identify and address knowledge gaps more effectively. Overall, Rawmarsh Thorogate Junior and Infant School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
