Redbourn Primary School, located in St Albans, Hertfordshire, underwent an inspection on 12 and 13 October 2022, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. This marked a significant change from its previous Outstanding rating from nearly seven years prior. The inspection highlighted several areas of concern, particularly in the quality of education and early years provision, both of which were also rated as Requires Improvement. However, the school demonstrated strengths in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all rated as Good.
The inspection revealed that pupils at Redbourn Primary School embody the school’s THRIVE values, which emphasize teamwork, health, responsibility, innovation, value, and empathy. Regular assemblies help instill these values, and older pupils actively support younger ones, fostering a sense of community. The school has high expectations for behavior, which helps pupils focus on their learning. Teachers engage students through expressive storytelling and a team-based reward system that promotes positive relationships among pupils. The school’s approach to relationships education contributes to a respectful environment where bullying is rare, and pupils feel safe.
Despite these positive aspects, the inspection identified significant issues with the reading curriculum. While staff are aware of the barriers some pupils face in reading, the strategies to address these challenges are not effectively implemented. This has resulted in weaker readers struggling with fluency. Leaders are aware of these shortcomings and have plans to improve the situation, but these changes have yet to take effect. The curriculum development is ongoing, with leaders working to clarify what pupils should learn and how to assess their progress. In subjects like mathematics, the curriculum is well-sequenced, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge effectively. However, other subjects lack this clarity, leading to gaps in pupils’ understanding.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities face similar challenges within the curriculum. Nevertheless, the school has made commendable efforts to enhance the support these pupils receive, with staff implementing appropriate adjustments to help them focus and learn. The school promotes personal development through physical education and a variety of extracurricular activities, encouraging healthy lifestyles and musicality among pupils.
The inspection also noted improvements in pupil behavior over the past year, with staff recognizing behavior as a form of communication. Supportive relationships between staff and pupils have created an environment where students feel comfortable participating in lessons. However, attendance remains a concern, with the current monitoring system lacking rigor. Action is often taken only after attendance has significantly declined, making it difficult to improve.
Safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. Pupils are well-informed about staying safe, both online and offline, and trust staff to address any issues promptly. The inspection concluded that while there are strengths in the school’s approach to behavior and safeguarding, significant improvements are needed in the quality of education, particularly in reading instruction and curriculum development. Leaders are encouraged to implement a rigorous reading program and ensure that all subjects have a clear, logical sequence to enhance pupils’ learning experiences and outcomes.
