Rawdon St Peter’s Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on October 4 and 5, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment where both staff and pupils feel a strong sense of belonging. The relationships between staff and pupils are described as warm, respectful, and supportive, contributing to a safe and happy atmosphere for learning. The school demonstrates high ambitions for pupil achievement and is committed to continuously improving the educational experiences and outcomes for its students.
Pupils exhibit good behavior both in lessons and during playtimes, with leaders effectively addressing any rare instances of bullying. The school’s values, which emphasize love, friendship, honesty, endurance, thankfulness, and fairness, are well understood by the pupils. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles, such as peer mediators and school councillors, which help them develop a sense of responsibility and prepare for future challenges.
The curriculum at Rawdon St Peter’s is broad and well-structured, with leaders identifying essential knowledge and vocabulary for pupils to learn. The curriculum is sequenced to build on prior learning, particularly in subjects like history and mathematics. However, there is a noted need for improvement in the individual learning plans for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as these do not clearly outline the small steps needed for progress. This lack of clarity hinders the school’s ability to track and review the progress of these pupils effectively.
Reading is prioritized highly within the school, with a consistent approach to teaching phonics and regular assessments to monitor pupil progress. Early years education is particularly strong, providing children with a solid foundation for their future learning. The early years environment is rich in opportunities for developing mathematical concepts and healthy habits.
Pupils are attentive and well-behaved in lessons, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere. The school’s behavior policy is consistently applied and understood by the pupils, who are polite and welcoming to visitors. The curriculum for personal development is well-developed, offering a variety of experiences beyond academics, including educational visits and extracurricular clubs.
Senior leaders have effectively managed recent changes within the school and maintain strong collaborations with other educational institutions. They are mindful of staff workload and well-being, fostering a supportive work environment. The governing body is well-informed and actively participates in training and development opportunities, sharing the leaders’ high ambitions for all pupils.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, to improve further, the school needs to enhance the clarity of support plans for pupils with special educational needs and ensure that the curriculum is fully embedded across all subjects. This will help pupils develop a deeper understanding of essential knowledge over time.
Overall, Rawdon St Peter’s Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong commitment to the personal and academic development of its pupils. The school is well-prepared to address the areas identified for improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive.
