Maltby Redwood Academy, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on March 16 and 17, 2022. The school was rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The principal has established a clear vision for the school, leading to significant improvements in behavior and the development of an ambitious curriculum. The school community is characterized by strong relationships among staff, pupils, and families, fostering a sense of belonging known as Team Redwood. Pupils express a strong sense of safety and trust, knowing they can approach staff with concerns. Instances of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively, contributing to a positive learning environment where pupils are eager to learn and behave well.
The curriculum is designed to build on pupils' prior knowledge and is tailored to meet the needs of the community. Subject leaders demonstrate strong knowledge of their areas, ensuring that the curriculum is well-sequenced from Nursery to Year Six. Reading is a particular strength, with pupils having access to a diverse range of books that promote understanding of diversity and equality. Phonics instruction begins early, with regular assessments to identify areas where pupils may need additional support. However, there are opportunities for improvement in how teachers identify specific reading difficulties during phonics lessons.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum and receive appropriate support. While leaders have implemented assessment systems to monitor the effectiveness of this support, the targets set for these pupils could be more precise to enhance their learning outcomes. In the early years, positive relationships between children and staff are evident, and the curriculum is designed to lay a strong foundation for future learning. However, there are instances where activities may not fully support children in practicing and building on new knowledge.
Governance at the school is strong, with governors and trustees well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for development. They understand their role in supporting the school's vision while also holding leaders accountable for delivering quality education. Staff report feeling supported and valued, with leaders mindful of their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Maltby Redwood Academy are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding embedded within the school. Staff are aware of local risks and have clear systems in place to identify and support vulnerable pupils. The school fosters positive relationships with families and provides pupils with the knowledge to keep themselves safe both online and offline.
To further improve, leaders need to ensure that all staff have a comprehensive understanding of the phonics curriculum to address misconceptions effectively. Additionally, monitoring of school improvement priorities should be more rigorous to provide a clearer picture of curriculum implementation and pupil achievement. Training for early years staff should be enhanced to ensure the curriculum is delivered effectively. Overall, Maltby Redwood Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
