Rosedale Primary School, located in Scawsby, Doncaster, has recently undergone significant improvements since joining the Exceed Learning Partnership Trust in 2022. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The principal, Jack Wardle, along with the trust's CEO Beryce Nixon and the board of trustees, led by John Blount, have played pivotal roles in this transformation.
The school environment is described as warm, welcoming, and purposeful, fostering positive relationships between pupils and staff. Students feel happy and safe, which is crucial for their learning. From the early years, children develop strong habits for learning, benefiting from clear routines that promote high levels of concentration. As they progress into the main school, behaviour remains calm, and staff are attentive to the emotional needs of pupils, providing support when necessary.
Rosedale Primary School has high expectations for its pupils, recognizing that past academic outcomes have not consistently met these standards. The leadership team has taken swift action to address this, particularly in the teaching of reading, which has seen a significant transformation. The school has invested in new resources and training for staff, ensuring that phonics instruction is a central focus. This structured approach has led to effective early reading instruction, with additional support for pupils at risk of falling behind.
In the early years, children are provided with an exceptional start, developing independence and social skills in a calm environment. They demonstrate self-control and engage well in activities, with adults skillfully guiding their learning. The curriculum has been methodically reviewed to ensure strong learning across subjects, with particular attention to art and mathematics. However, some subjects, such as history, still require further refinement to ensure that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge for future learning.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement. In mathematics and science, the curriculum is well-sequenced and appropriately resourced, but there are inconsistencies in checking pupils' understanding during lessons. This can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding, as some pupils may not have sufficient opportunities to practice and consolidate their learning. The school is encouraged to implement consistent systems for assessing pupils' knowledge across all year groups.
Rosedale Primary School is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support from wider services. The leadership team has high expectations for all pupils, making adaptations to the curriculum to facilitate access for those with additional needs. Attendance is closely monitored, and the school has implemented measures to improve punctuality and attendance rates, resulting in significant improvements for some groups of pupils.
The school also emphasizes the importance of pupils' wider development, teaching them about safety, relationships, and discrimination. The trust has been instrumental in driving improvements, with skilled and experienced board members supporting the school in its mission to provide a high-quality education. Overall, Rosedale Primary School is on a positive trajectory, with a strong foundation for continued growth and success in the future.
