Rosebrook Primary School, located in Stockton-on-Tees, was inspected on October 9 and 10, 2019, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. This was the first inspection for the school since it had not been previously inspected.
Pupils at Rosebrook Primary School express enjoyment in their school experience, particularly highlighting their love for writing, where they demonstrate progress that is well above average. They take pride in their work and actively engage with their teachers, seeking help when needed and assisting their peers. The school fosters a safe learning environment, encouraging respect and kindness among students. While some pupils reported instances of bullying and name-calling, they noted that teachers address these issues promptly and effectively, ensuring that parents are informed and incidents are resolved.
The leadership team is well-acquainted with their pupils and families, having developed a curriculum that reflects this understanding. They have collaborated with trust staff to create schemes of work aligned with national curriculum aims. Teachers effectively plan activities that enhance pupils' knowledge and skills, utilizing assessment information to identify those needing additional support. Pupils show good progress in mathematics, with lessons designed to build knowledge incrementally. The enthusiasm for mathematics is evident, particularly among Year 6 pupils who connect their previous learning to current challenges.
In modern foreign languages, teachers are successfully expanding pupils' French vocabulary, with students demonstrating their speaking skills during a visit to France. However, there is a noted disparity between speaking and writing skills, with the writing scheme of work requiring more precision. In subjects like geography and science, the logical sequence of the curriculum allows pupils to build knowledge over time, although some concepts are taught more effectively than others. For instance, pupils have a stronger understanding of living things and materials compared to physical processes in science.
Reading is prioritized by school leaders, who focus on broadening pupils' vocabulary. Many children enter the school with weaker language skills than expected. The teaching of early reading skills in Nursery and Reception is robust, with children engaging in songs, rhymes, and a variety of stories throughout the year. Outcomes in reading at the end of Reception are improving annually. Phonics instruction is well-structured, with pupils grouped by ability for focused teaching, and additional support is provided for those needing to catch up.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive excellent support, particularly through the HUB, which caters to those with communication needs. The special educational needs coordinator diligently sets precise learning targets for these pupils, who are making good progress.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with thorough employment checks for staff and regular safeguarding training. The designated safeguarding leaders are proactive in addressing concerns and maintaining detailed records. The parent support officer monitors attendance closely, ensuring pupils' safety through home visits when necessary.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the precision of its schemes of work in foundation subjects like geography and science, ensuring that all key concepts are effectively taught. Additionally, the recently introduced personal development scheme must be fully implemented to equip pupils with the skills to navigate local risks. Overall, Rosebrook Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and supporting its pupils' development.
