Rocks Park Primary School, located in Uckfield, East Sussex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 12 and 13, 2023. The school fosters a welcoming and happy environment for its pupils, who enjoy various activities such as socializing in the woodland playground and participating in swimming lessons. Students express a strong sense of belonging, with one pupil describing the school as a second home. The school emphasizes kindness and mutual care, with older students taking pride in supporting younger peers. The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they show respect for teachers and demonstrate maturity in their learning.
The school instills its core values of care, resilience, positivity, independence, and aspiration in its students, who strive to embody these principles in their interactions and academic pursuits. Teachers recognize and reward these values through the distribution of golden badges, which are celebrated in weekly assemblies, fostering a sense of community and achievement among pupils. The school maintains high expectations for all students, including those in Reception, who are encouraged to become independent and inquisitive learners. As students progress, they develop a strong understanding across a wide range of subjects.
Rocks Park Primary School is committed to providing an ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is clearly defined, outlining what students should know and remember at each educational stage. While subjects like mathematics, art, and science have well-developed curricula, areas such as geography, music, and religious education are undergoing refinement to enhance the connections between previously learned and new concepts.
In Reception, the curriculum effectively lays the groundwork for future learning, with adults fostering curiosity through hands-on activities. By the end of the Reception year, children are well-prepared for Year One. Assessment practices vary across subjects, with mathematics and art benefiting from systematic reviews of past learning, ensuring that knowledge is retained. However, this consistency is not yet present across all subjects, and while teachers use questioning to gauge understanding, they do not always address misconceptions promptly.
Teachers possess secure subject knowledge in established areas of the curriculum and collaborate effectively to break down content into manageable steps. They adapt their teaching methods to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, engage with the same material. For instance, pupils build on their understanding of numbers through place value concepts and apply various drawing techniques in art.
Reading instruction is well-implemented, with a new phonics curriculum introduced post-COVID-19 to ensure a systematic approach to early reading. Most pupils learn to read quickly, although some weaker readers require more precise support to improve their fluency. Opportunities for reading across the curriculum and for pleasure are abundant, with pupils enjoying book challenges and author visits.
The school promotes an appreciation for diversity, teaching pupils about different beliefs, cultures, and relationships. Assemblies reinforce school values and encourage respect for British citizenship. Leadership skills are developed through various roles, and pupils demonstrate knowledge about health and safety, particularly regarding internet use. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place.
Governors are knowledgeable and actively support the school in providing the best possible start for all pupils. While the school has many strengths, it recognizes the need for improvement in assessment practices to ensure that all pupils achieve their potential and that support for weaker readers is more targeted. Overall, Rocks Park Primary School continues to provide a positive educational experience for its students.
