East Dene Primary School, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 8 and 9, 2022. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a harmonious environment for its pupils, with effective leadership at all levels. Relationships between staff and students are notably positive, fostering a sense of pride among pupils regarding their school. Parents and carers also express satisfaction with the school, feeling included in various activities such as early bird reading sessions.
Pupils exhibit polite and well-mannered behavior, moving sensibly throughout the school. Instances of misconduct are rare, and when they occur, staff address them calmly and fairly. The school promotes active play during break and lunch times, with initiatives like active leaders encouraging physical activity. Storytime at the end of the day is a cherished routine, helping pupils expand their vocabulary and understanding of important themes such as diversity and respect.
The school has a robust approach to bullying, with pupils reporting that it is not a significant issue. Leaders actively investigate any concerns and provide support to those facing difficulties, ensuring a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The quality of education is a primary focus for leaders and governors, who have collaborated to develop a well-structured curriculum tailored to the needs of East Dene pupils. This curriculum emphasizes essential knowledge and skills, with clear expectations for teachers to facilitate student learning.
Teachers are equipped with strategies to enhance vocabulary acquisition, encouraging pupils to engage in discussions and presentations. The phonics program is rigorous, enabling pupils to develop reading skills effectively. Those who struggle receive targeted support to help them catch up. Regular recapping of learned material is integrated into lessons, reinforcing long-term retention of knowledge.
Pastoral care is a strong point for the school, with leaders providing thoughtful support to pupils facing challenges at home or in school. This approach contributes to a calm and focused learning environment. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities benefit from tailored support, although some may require more granular breakdowns of their academic objectives to ensure success.
In the early years, the curriculum is being refined, with a focus on language development and storytelling. However, staff training is necessary to enhance the implementation of this curriculum effectively. Leaders are aware of the need for improvement in staff interactions with children to better support language development.
Attendance monitoring is a priority, with leaders actively engaging families to improve attendance rates. Persistent absence remains a challenge, and efforts are ongoing to address this issue. Governance arrangements are effective, with a school representative group collaborating with leaders to monitor educational quality. The local executive governing body works alongside other schools in the trust to provide additional support where needed.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with leaders collaborating with external agencies to support families. Staff are vigilant in recording concerns, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Leaders are knowledgeable about local community issues and educate pupils on potential dangers, such as online gaming and gang involvement.
Overall, East Dene Primary School is a good educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in early years language support and attendance, the school demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to succeed.
