Rosslyn Park Primary and Nursery School, located in Aspley, Nottingham, was inspected on October 4 and 5, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as leadership and management receiving an outstanding rating. The headteacher, Scott Mason, leads the school, which is part of the Transform Trust, overseen by CEO Rebecca Meredith and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Munro.
The school emphasizes high expectations for all pupils, fostering positive relationships between staff and students. Pupils are well cared for and understand the school's seven core values, which include respect, motivation, inclusivity, resilience, collaboration, pride, and aspiration. The reward system, including points and weekly golden time, motivates students to adhere to these values. The school also provides support for those who need additional help to meet behavioral expectations.
Rosslyn Park offers numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in new experiences, including collaborations with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Nottingham Contemporary art gallery. Upcoming trips, such as a visit to London for older pupils, are highly anticipated. The school encourages participation in a variety of extracurricular activities, with popular options including sports, pottery, and fencing. A sewing club was established in response to a student's suggestion, showcasing the school's responsiveness to pupil interests.
Reading is a priority at Rosslyn Park, with a well-organized phonics program that begins as soon as pupils join the school. Staff receive regular training to ensure effective phonics instruction, and the curriculum is designed to enhance reading skills progressively. Teachers monitor pupil progress closely and provide additional support when necessary. The overall curriculum is well-planned and sequenced, although some pupils in a few subjects struggle to recall previously taught content.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support from skilled staff, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. The internal enhanced provision room offers specialized assistance to improve communication and language skills. In the early years, children adapt quickly to routines and are well looked after, although there are instances where the curriculum does not clearly outline expected knowledge and retention.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, emphasizing respect and safety. While incidents of discrimination are rare and addressed promptly, some pupils do not fully grasp the seriousness of such behaviors, leading to unreported incidents. Attendance remains a concern, with some pupils missing significant amounts of school, impacting national assessment outcomes. However, the school has taken decisive action to improve attendance and monitor new pupils more closely.
Leadership at Rosslyn Park is characterized by ambition and a commitment to self-improvement. The governing body and trust provide effective support and challenge, ensuring that actions positively impact pupils. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment.
To improve, the school should ensure that all pupils understand the importance of reporting incidents of discrimination and develop strategies to enhance long-term retention of curriculum content across all subjects. Additionally, the early years curriculum needs clearer sequencing to ensure consistent expectations for children's learning and retention. Overall, Rosslyn Park Primary and Nursery School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and support for its pupils.
