Rodborough Community Primary School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 15 and 16, 2023. The school is characterized by a positive and welcoming environment where pupils express a strong affection for attending. They describe their peers as kind and friendly, and they learn effective social skills, particularly through initiatives like the Year 6 pupils acting as buddies to Reception children, helping them acclimate to school life. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with reports indicating that bullying is not a concern, and any issues are promptly addressed by teachers.
The school has established clear routines that pupils follow well. For instance, children in Reception learn the importance of taking turns, while older pupils demonstrate respect for each other's ideas. The curriculum emphasizes citizenship, with pupils participating in a pupil parliament where they elect leaders and engage with the local community to influence decisions, such as selecting play equipment for parks.
Rodborough Community Primary School offers numerous opportunities for pupils to enhance their learning through clubs, trips, and guest speakers. These experiences are thoughtfully planned to complement the curriculum, allowing pupils to explore local history and culture, such as the industrial heritage of Stroud and Roman history through site visits.
The leadership team has a shared vision for the academic, social, and emotional success of pupils, which is embraced by the staff. The curriculum is ambitious across various subjects, and pupils are encouraged to reflect on their prior knowledge to grasp more complex concepts. For example, Year 2 pupils review map skills to locate geographical features in China, while English lessons focus on editing skills using stylistic features of writing. However, there is an acknowledgment that some subjects require more careful planning to enhance learning outcomes.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and ensure that pupils acquire subject-specific vocabulary, which enables them to articulate their understanding effectively. For instance, pupils can discuss geographical concepts like dome and plateau mountains with confidence. The emphasis on reading is evident, with a structured approach to phonics in early years, ensuring that children develop strong reading skills and a love for literature.
The school prioritizes mental health awareness, integrating personal, social, and health education into the curriculum. Pupils learn about healthy relationships, empathy, and emotional well-being, including techniques like meditation to manage their feelings. The governing body is well-informed about the school’s operations, and staff express high levels of job satisfaction, citing support from leaders in managing their workload.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders vigilant about the physical and emotional safety of pupils. Staff receive regular training, and there are effective partnerships with external agencies to support at-risk pupils. The school also educates pupils on online safety.
To further improve, the school must ensure that the curriculum in all subjects is consistently well-planned to support pupils in building on their prior knowledge effectively. This will help solidify their understanding before progressing to more complex topics. Overall, Rodborough Community Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils.
