Roman Way Primary School, located in Andover, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 9 and 10, 2022. The school provides a safe and secure environment for its pupils, with staff working collaboratively to ensure their well-being. Pupils are instilled with important values such as integrity, excellence, and determination, which encourages them to engage actively in their lessons and develop resilience. The high expectations set by the staff regarding behavior and academic performance motivate pupils to strive for success, resulting in good behavior both in classrooms and throughout the school grounds.
The school promotes a culture of respect among pupils, who appreciate the kindness shown by staff and each other. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and any concerns are addressed effectively by the staff. The extensive outdoor areas available for play and learning contribute to a positive school experience, with pupils expressing happiness in their interactions and eagerness to learn.
Leaders at Roman Way Primary School ensure that pupils receive a well-rounded education by offering a broad curriculum that includes opportunities beyond the classroom. Notably, all pupils participate in forest school activities, which foster teamwork and cooperation. Parents appreciate the school's commitment to understanding and meeting their children's needs, with many expressing confidence in the staff's ability to support their child's potential.
The school demonstrates a strong focus on improving educational quality, with leaders prioritizing the development of an ambitious curriculum. Subject leaders work to ensure that learning is structured effectively, allowing pupils to build knowledge and retain what they have learned. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like history, where the curriculum is not as well organized as in mathematics. Leaders are encouraged to clarify their expectations regarding what pupils should learn and the sequence of that learning.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority, with leaders ensuring that individual needs are identified promptly and accurately. The school provides well-matched support, enabling these pupils to thrive alongside their peers. The phonics program implemented at the school is well-structured, starting as soon as children enroll, and is designed to help all pupils develop their reading skills effectively.
Staff maintain high expectations for behavior and consistently apply school rules, fostering a positive culture from the early years. Pupils respond well to the praise and modeling provided by adults, leading to respectful interactions within the school community. While there are a few pupils with special educational needs whose behavior may disrupt lessons, teachers take effective measures to minimize the impact on learning.
Personal development is prioritized, with strategies in place to teach pupils about self-care and friendship. However, the range of extracurricular activities has been limited due to the impact of COVID-19, although leaders plan to restore these opportunities soon. Pupils understand the school's values and can articulate their importance in their personal development.
Governance at the school is effective, with governors providing support and challenge to school leaders. Staff express pride in being part of the school community and appreciate the consideration given to their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with leaders taking the needs of all pupils seriously and ensuring that staff are well-trained to recognize and address risks. Overall, Roman Way Primary School continues to provide a good education, with clear areas identified for further improvement to enhance the learning experience for all pupils.
