Roseacre Junior School, located in Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent, has recently undergone an inspection that evaluated its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on March 19 and 20, 2024, and assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school was previously rated outstanding during its last inspection eight years ago, and the current evaluation reflects the changes that have occurred since then.
Pupils at Roseacre Junior School express happiness and a sense of safety within their environment. They take pride in the school's inclusive atmosphere, which is built on values such as respect, open-mindedness, safety, empathy, achievement, collaboration, resilience, and enjoyment. These values are actively demonstrated by the students, who are encouraged to be open-minded and willing to try new things. The positive culture at the school is evident in the strong relationships between pupils and staff, contributing to the overall success of the students in their academic pursuits.
The behavior of pupils is notably calm and settled, with students taking responsibility for maintaining a safe and supportive school community. Initiatives like Roseacre walking promote mindfulness and sensible conduct as students navigate the school. The school has established a robust rewards culture, motivating pupils to earn merits and recognition for demonstrating core values.
The curriculum at Roseacre Junior School is well-structured, ensuring that key knowledge and skills are effectively mapped out for students. Staff members possess strong subject knowledge, providing clear explanations that help pupils grasp complex concepts. The school emphasizes the importance of retention, offering frequent opportunities for students to recap and connect their learning across subjects. This approach has resulted in commendable academic achievements.
In lessons, teachers actively monitor pupils' understanding, addressing misconceptions promptly to prevent misunderstandings from persisting. While assessment practices are strong in many subjects, there is room for improvement in some foundation subjects, where assessment may not be as precise as it could be.
The school has implemented a well-considered phonics program, with staff trained to support students who are not yet fluent readers. This program is complemented by a diverse reading curriculum that exposes pupils to various texts, fostering their interests and broadening their perspectives.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities has significantly improved, with the school enhancing its resources and identifying needs promptly. The establishment of the hub provides additional support for these students, and parents have noted substantial progress in their children's development as a result of this care.
Extracurricular activities are abundant, with pupils eager to participate in clubs such as choir, performing arts, and sports. The school fosters an environment where differences are celebrated, and students learn from one another about various faiths and cultures. Leadership roles within the school, such as participation in the school council and eco council, are taken seriously by students.
While the leadership team has identified appropriate priorities for improvement, including the revised behavior system and the embedding of school values, there is a need for more effective monitoring of the curriculum's implementation. The school must ensure that quality assurance activities provide the necessary information to evaluate the curriculum's impact accurately.
Overall, Roseacre Junior School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a strong focus on personal development and community values. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement and excellence in education.
