Roche Community Primary School, located in Roche, St Austell, Cornwall, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on July 19 and 20, 2022. The school was rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marked a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which had rated it as requiring improvement.
The school promotes a strong ethos centered around five key principles of well-being: connect, give, take notice, keep learning, and be active. These principles are well understood by the pupils, who express enthusiasm and confidence when discussing their learning experiences across various subjects. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with staff holding high expectations for student achievement. Pupils appreciate the curriculum's rigor and the opportunities it provides for their academic growth.
The atmosphere within the school is calm and purposeful, fostering a respectful environment where pupils are polite and confident. High standards of behaviour are expected, and pupils generally meet these expectations, enjoying their time at school and demonstrating good attendance. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, which is reported to be rare, and pupils feel secure in the knowledge that any issues will be dealt with promptly by staff.
Roche Community Primary School is committed to inclusivity, providing opportunities for pupils to engage as responsible and respectful citizens. Initiatives led by the school council, such as developing an online safety code and defining well-being, exemplify this commitment. The school offers a variety of experiences that enhance learning and personal development.
The curriculum is designed to be ambitious and well-sequenced, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. It begins in the early years and builds on prior knowledge, ensuring successful learning outcomes. Leaders have prioritized essential subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics, and subject leaders are knowledgeable and effective in monitoring their areas.
Reading is a particular focus, with a strong emphasis on developing a culture of reading enjoyment and success. Phonics instruction begins in Reception, and pupils are provided with reading materials that align with their learning. Older students understand the benefits of shared reading, and the school ensures access to a diverse range of texts that support vocabulary and subject knowledge development.
The early years provision is effective, promoting physical development, language, communication, and early mathematics skills. Staff interactions with children are purposeful, maximizing developmental opportunities and preparing them well for future learning stages. Physical education is integrated into the curriculum, reinforcing the focus on well-being.
While the quality of education is a strength, there are areas for improvement. Leaders and governors need to enhance their oversight of behaviour and the wider curriculum to ensure a comprehensive understanding of trends and patterns. This includes monitoring behaviour incidents and the implementation of the broader curriculum with the same rigor applied to academic subjects.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff well-informed about their responsibilities. They are quick to respond to concerns, and there is a strong partnership with external agencies to provide necessary support. However, there is room for improvement in keeping staff updated on safeguarding practices.
Overall, Roche Community Primary School has made significant strides in improving its educational offerings and creating a supportive environment for all pupils. The commitment to high standards and the well-being of students is evident, contributing to a positive school culture where pupils are engaged and eager to learn.
