Rowanfield Junior School, located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, was inspected from March 3 to March 4, 2020. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting a positive shift from its previous outstanding rating in January 2014. This change is attributed to the current inspection framework and developments within the school over the past six years, during which it had not undergone an inspection due to changes in legislation that exempted outstanding schools from routine evaluations.
Pupils at Rowanfield Junior School exhibit pride in their school and actively engage in various activities. They demonstrate good behavior and maintain positive attitudes in class. The school fosters a caring environment where pupils feel safe and well-supported. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and staff are attentive to students' concerns, providing assistance when needed. The curriculum includes significant themes and experiences, such as understanding the life of refugees, and pupils particularly enjoy the diverse activities planned by teachers, including virtual reality workshops and themed weeks focused on arts and STEM.
In terms of academic performance, pupils are making progress in reading, writing, and mathematics. There is a noticeable increase in reading engagement, with students taking pride in using advanced vocabulary in their writing. However, the report notes that pupils retain more knowledge in some subjects than others, indicating a need for improvement in curriculum depth across all areas. The school emphasizes the importance of mental and physical health, offering education on well-being and providing numerous extracurricular clubs for students.
Historically, many pupils entered the school with skills below the expected level for their age, but effective leadership has ensured that the curriculum for writing and mathematics is well-structured. Teachers utilize their subject knowledge to address gaps in understanding, leading to improved academic standards. The focus on developing reading skills and vocabulary has been beneficial, with many pupils who previously struggled now becoming enthusiastic readers. However, the teaching of phonics in Years 3 and 4 is still developing, which affects the speed at which some pupils catch up.
The school has made strides in addressing previous curriculum limitations that focused heavily on preparing for external tests, which restricted the depth of knowledge in various subjects. Leaders are actively working to implement a well-sequenced curriculum that supports comprehensive learning across all subjects. While progress is evident, some subjects are further along in development than others, leading to disparities in learning time.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive supportive care, although there are instances where assessments do not fully inform teaching practices, particularly in lower key stage 2. This can limit the practice opportunities for these pupils to deepen their understanding.
Attendance rates at Rowanfield Junior School are generally in line with national averages, thanks to the leadership's efforts to promote good attendance. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to engage with the wider world, enhancing their understanding of different cultures and responsibilities as citizens.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to ensure pupil safety and well-being. Overall, while the school has made significant progress, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring a coherent curriculum across all subjects and enhancing phonics instruction to support all pupils in their reading development.
