Redlands Primary and Nursery School, located in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, underwent an inspection on December 6 and 7, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision.
Pupils expressed a sense of belonging and inclusivity within the school environment, highlighting that it is acceptable to be themselves. They reported enjoying their learning experiences and feeling happy at school. Parents and carers appreciated the warm family atmosphere fostered by the school. The leadership team has established a calm and orderly environment, which contributes to good behavior among pupils. They are focused on creating positive relationships between staff and students, and pupils noted that any incidents of bullying are addressed promptly.
The new leadership has set high expectations and is committed to enhancing the curriculum. While improvements are underway, there is recognition that further work is needed to ensure that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, can retain and apply their knowledge effectively. The curriculum has been reviewed and revised, with a focus on ensuring that pupils achieve well across all subjects. However, the impact of these changes is still being assessed, particularly in foundation subjects.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with a well-structured approach to phonics instruction starting from Reception. Teachers are dedicated to nurturing a love of reading and ensuring that pupils engage with appropriately challenging texts. Despite these efforts, some pupils struggle with reading and do not receive adequate support to catch up with their peers. In mathematics, the curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced, allowing teachers to identify and address pupils' misconceptions effectively.
Access to the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs is inconsistent. While some support is in place, leaders have not fully identified the specific needs of these pupils, which affects their progress. In the early years, children benefit from positive relationships and engaging activities that promote their learning and language development. The revised early years curriculum is effective in preparing children for their transition to Year 1.
The school places a strong emphasis on pupil well-being, encouraging perseverance and respect among students. They learn about diverse beliefs and family structures, fostering a clear understanding of right and wrong. Staff members are proud to work at Redlands, appreciating the supportive team environment and the respect shown by leaders.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders prioritizing pupil welfare and ensuring that the curriculum includes safety education. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, and there is a thorough recruitment process in place.
To improve, the school must ensure that all pupils, particularly those at the earliest stages of reading, receive precise instruction in the reading program. Leaders need to establish rigorous systems to assess and meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can access the full curriculum and achieve their potential. The leadership team should also focus on enhancing their skills in monitoring curriculum implementation to identify areas for further development. Overall, while Redlands Primary and Nursery School has strengths, particularly in pupil behavior and early years provision, there are significant areas for improvement that need to be addressed to enhance the quality of education provided.
