Radbrook Primary School, located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in January 2020. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils take pride in their school community, welcoming visitors with enthusiasm and sharing their enjoyment of school life. The staff at Radbrook Primary School prioritize the well-being of their students, ensuring they feel safe and supported. The playground, redesigned by the pupils themselves, is a vibrant space that encourages play and interaction, reflecting the respect students have for their environment and each other.
The school emphasizes the importance of preparing pupils for life beyond primary education, instilling values such as respect, loyalty, and collaboration. High expectations are set for behavior and academic performance, with pupils demonstrating a strong desire to learn. The curriculum is designed to engage students, with a variety of activities that complement classroom learning. For instance, a visit to a chocolate factory helped students understand the process of making chocolate while studying rainforests.
In the early years, children enjoy exploring their surroundings and engaging in imaginative play. However, there has been a decline in the number of children achieving a strong grasp of phonics by the end of Year 1 over the past three years. School leaders have acknowledged this issue and implemented plans to improve phonics instruction, starting from the Reception Year. Recent training for teachers and teaching assistants has enhanced their ability to assess and support students' phonics development. Reading is now a key focus across the school, with daily phonics and reading sessions, and pupils are encouraged to read at home with appropriate books that match their learning.
The school offers a broad curriculum in key stages 1 and 2, effectively preparing students for secondary education. Mathematics is a particular strength, with a well-structured curriculum that builds knowledge incrementally. Pupils express a strong interest in mathematics, and lessons are sequenced to reinforce learning. However, some subjects, such as history, require better planning to ensure topics are taught in a coherent manner. Leaders are aware of this and are working to redesign the history curriculum for improved logical progression.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons, showing respect for their peers and teachers, with minimal disruption. The school is inclusive, ensuring all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to the full curriculum. While these pupils achieve well, there is room for improvement in providing tailored support, as some staff require further training to effectively adapt lessons for these students.
Radbrook Primary School also enriches students' experiences through various extracurricular activities and community involvement. Pupils have enjoyed trips that enhance their learning, such as a visit to Conway, and they actively participate in community service, including supporting local food banks.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with staff trained to respond to concerns promptly. Parents express confidence in the safety of their children at the school. Overall, while Radbrook Primary School is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of lesson sequencing across subjects and in providing adequate training for staff to support pupils with special educational needs. The school is committed to addressing these challenges to enhance the educational experience for all students.
