Rackenford Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 24, 2024. The school maintains high expectations for all its pupils, promoting a vision of Let your light shine that encourages students to strive for their best. Pupils express happiness in attending school, demonstrating politeness and friendliness towards visitors while communicating with confidence. The school fosters kindness and thoughtfulness among its students, who embody values such as trust, perseverance, respect, friendship, compassion, and truthfulness. These values are well understood by the pupils, contributing to a focused and eager learning environment in lessons. During playtime, students engage positively with one another, sharing resources and creating their own games. The school has effective measures in place to address any instances of bullying swiftly.
Strong relationships between staff and pupils create a safe atmosphere where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns. They are aware of how to keep themselves safe online and recognize the potential dangers of the internet. Pupils take pride in their responsibilities, such as serving as school councillors, and they appreciate having a voice in decisions like changes to the lunch menu. The school offers a variety of clubs that cater to different interests and talents, enhancing the overall educational experience.
The curriculum at Rackenford is broad and balanced, effectively adapted for mixed-age classes. The school has carefully considered the knowledge pupils need to acquire and how this knowledge builds over time, particularly in subjects like mathematics. For instance, younger students learn to compare objects using terms like heavier and lighter, which they apply in later learning. However, there are areas where the most critical knowledge has not been clearly identified, leading to gaps in understanding, particularly in subjects like history.
Reading instruction is a notable strength of the school, beginning in the early years with a systematic approach that helps children become proficient readers quickly. Reading materials are well-aligned with the phonics being taught, and additional support is provided to those who need it. The school promotes a love of reading through daily story times, allowing pupils to recall key events and themes from the stories they encounter.
Attendance is prioritized, with the school working closely with families to address the root causes of absences. This proactive approach has successfully reduced persistent absenteeism. The school serves a higher proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities compared to other institutions, ensuring that these pupils follow the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Staff are well-informed about the needs of these pupils, and appropriate resources are utilized to support their learning.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects of the personal development curriculum that require improvement. Pupils' understanding of diversity and the lives of others from different cultures and backgrounds is not as robust as it could be. The school recognizes the need to enhance this aspect of education to better prepare students for life in modern Britain. Overall, the school has a strong reputation among parents, who appreciate the close-knit community and the professional development opportunities provided to staff. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
