Ruardean Church of England Primary School in Gloucestershire has undergone a recent inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The inspection took place on 28 and 29 March 2023, marking a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which had rated the school as requiring improvement. The school embodies a Christian ethos that emphasizes a love of learning, life, and one another, which is reflected in the positive experiences of the pupils. Students actively participate in leadership roles, including leading collective worship and performing plays that reinforce the school's values.
The staff at Ruardean have high expectations for all pupils, ensuring that those who need additional support receive it promptly. The school fosters a respectful environment where pupils listen to each other's ideas and collaborate effectively. The playground is a harmonious space, and incidents of bullying are rare, with any issues being addressed swiftly. This contributes to a strong sense of safety among the pupils.
From the early years, children are encouraged to support and cooperate with one another. The school provides robust pastoral support, particularly for those in the Communication and Interaction Centre, which is designed to nurture pupils with specific needs. The curriculum is well-structured and tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students, and parents appreciate the welcoming and caring nature of the staff.
Learning at Ruardean extends beyond the classroom, with pupils engaging in local geographical fieldwork and enjoying extracurricular clubs such as sewing and gardening. The leadership team has prioritized addressing urgent issues identified in the previous inspection, resulting in a broad and well-sequenced curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Governors are actively involved, understanding the school's priorities and providing appropriate challenges to the leadership team.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils acquire precise knowledge, and many can articulate their learning effectively. The focus on communication and language development is evident, with staff modeling the language expected from pupils. The mathematics curriculum builds sequentially on prior learning, leading to improved understanding of mathematical concepts, despite previous outcomes not being strong.
Pupils demonstrate a thorough understanding of the texts they read, with teachers effectively modeling reading strategies. However, writing across the curriculum is an area identified for improvement, as pupils do not achieve the same quality of written work in subjects outside of English. The phonics program is implemented effectively, with consistent teaching that helps pupils read confidently and fluently.
The school has cultivated an inclusive culture, particularly through the Communication and Interaction Centre, which supports pupils with communication and language needs. While staff provide effective support for most pupils with special educational needs, there is a need for more precise individual support plans for a small minority to enhance their learning outcomes.
Staff regularly assess pupils' learning across the curriculum, using these assessments to address gaps in knowledge and misconceptions. The personal development curriculum leverages local community opportunities, promoting respect for diverse beliefs and understanding of democracy. Staff development is prioritized, fostering a passionate and committed teaching team.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with all staff trained to identify signs of harm and respond appropriately. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, and demonstrate an understanding of personal space. The school is encouraged to sharpen targets for pupils with special educational needs and enhance writing expectations across the curriculum to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
