Rawmarsh Sandhill Primary School, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on June 6 and 7, 2023, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and happy. Leaders and staff prioritize the well-being of students, fostering a culture of respect and understanding of diversity. The school promotes high expectations for behavior through the ‘Sandhill Way,’ which outlines positive characteristics essential for life. This initiative has positively influenced both behavior and character development among pupils, who learn to take responsibility for their actions from an early age.
The quality of education at Rawmarsh Sandhill is rated as good, with leaders having developed an ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad range of cultural experiences relevant to the pupils' context. Important knowledge is clearly identified and builds progressively through each learning sequence. However, some subjects are still in the early stages of development, and older pupils who faced disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic have had less time to benefit from the improvements made. This has resulted in some pupils struggling to connect and apply their learning over the long term.
Reading is a priority at the school, with daily phonics instruction delivered consistently well by trained staff. Pupils at risk of falling behind are quickly identified and receive additional support. While most pupils are enthusiastic about reading, some at the earliest stages require more precise teaching to catch up effectively. The early years provision is also rated as good, with a supportive environment that helps children learn essential skills and routines, preparing them well for future learning.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as being school council members or lunchtime buddies, which fosters their confidence and contributes to a calm school environment. The school emphasizes practical experiences that extend beyond the classroom, helping pupils understand the relevance of their learning to future job opportunities. The ‘Sandhill pledges’ promote active citizenship and life skills, further enriching the pupils' educational experience.
Leaders are dedicated to driving improvement and have begun to see positive impacts in areas such as attendance. Staff feel supported in their roles, and training provided by the trust enhances their teaching capabilities. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff and robust procedures in place to ensure pupil safety. Leaders are aware of local risks and teach pupils how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
Despite the overall positive evaluation, the school has identified areas for improvement. Specifically, the support for some pupils at the earliest stages of reading needs to be more precise to facilitate quicker progress. Additionally, a small number of subjects require further embedding to ensure that pupils develop a sufficient depth of knowledge for future learning. Leaders are committed to addressing these areas to enhance the educational experience for all pupils at Rawmarsh Sandhill Primary School.
