Ruskin Junior School, located in Swindon, Wiltshire, underwent an inspection on 13 and 14 September 2022, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as good, indicating a positive trajectory in the school's performance.
Pupils at Ruskin Junior School demonstrate a strong work ethic and express satisfaction with the support they receive in their lessons. They maintain respectful relationships with staff and take pride in their achievements. The school environment is orderly, with pupils generally adhering to school rules, which contributes to a positive atmosphere. Attendance is good, and pupils are punctual. The school offers a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, which enhance the learning experience and foster a sense of community. Pupils enjoy participating in school trips and taking on responsibilities, such as being part of the mini police club or serving as librarians. The school promotes an inclusive culture, celebrating the contributions of young carers and providing nurturing support to all students.
Pupils feel safe at school and report that trusted adults are available to help them with any concerns, including bullying. However, some parents and carers have expressed dissatisfaction with the communication regarding how issues are resolved, noting that leaders can be slow to follow up on concerns.
The school has effectively utilized advice and training from the trust to improve its curriculum and ensure that staff possess the necessary subject knowledge. There is a strong emphasis on foundational skills in reading, spelling, speaking, listening, and mathematics, which supports pupils' learning across the wider curriculum. Governors play a strategic role in decision-making, allocating resources to enhance the leadership of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and upgrading reading materials.
Pupils, including those with SEND, benefit from a well-structured curriculum that builds knowledge incrementally. Leaders have made adaptations to address gaps in learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring a broad range of subjects is taught. The school’s specialist resource base provides tailored support for pupils with autism spectrum disorder and related difficulties, effectively addressing their educational needs.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges in developing assessment processes for some wider curriculum subjects, which are not as robust as those in English and mathematics. This can lead to delays in identifying knowledge gaps. Additionally, communication with parents regarding concerns needs improvement, as incomplete records can hinder effective monitoring of issues raised by parents.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ruskin Junior School are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential harm and follow appropriate reporting procedures. Pupils are educated on online safety, ensuring they know how to protect themselves in the digital world.
In summary, Ruskin Junior School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils. Continued focus on enhancing communication with parents and refining assessment processes will further strengthen the school's effectiveness.
