Rockland St Mary Primary School, located in Norwich, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on February 1 and 2, 2022. The school provides a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe. Relationships among pupils are strong, with older students looking out for younger ones, fostering a sense of community. The school promotes good behavior, and while some pupils require additional support, the overall atmosphere is calm and orderly. The culture of mutual respect between pupils and adults is evident, with pupils confident that they can approach staff with any issues.
The school emphasizes values such as respect, resilience, resourcefulness, and ambition, which are modeled by the leadership and expected from both staff and pupils. The headteacher's commitment to these values has inspired pupils to demonstrate determination in their learning. Over the past two years, significant improvements have been made to the curriculum, focusing on essential knowledge that pupils should acquire and the timeline for learning it. This structured approach helps pupils retain information effectively.
Teachers possess a strong understanding of their subjects, enabling them to clarify complex concepts for pupils. For instance, students in Years 5 and 6 are capable of designing and writing computer programs due to the targeted knowledge they have received. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the consistent delivery of the redesigned curriculum across all subjects, resulting in some gaps in knowledge for a small number of subjects.
In the early years, children in Nursery and Reception are well-prepared for future learning through a nurturing environment that promotes language development. Reading instruction begins as soon as pupils join the school, with effective phonics teaching ensuring that most pupils become fluent readers quickly. Support is readily available for those who struggle, allowing them to catch up.
The school actively encourages a love of reading, with adults regularly sharing high-quality literature that captivates pupils' imaginations and broadens their understanding of diverse cultures. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support, ensuring they can access the full curriculum and succeed in their learning.
Attendance has improved significantly, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, due to the efforts of school leaders who have engaged with families to promote regular attendance. Pupils are provided with numerous opportunities to learn about the wider world, fostering their understanding of diversity and social issues.
The local governing body collaborates closely with trust leaders, balancing support with appropriate challenges to drive improvement. Parents express satisfaction with the care and education their children receive, and staff take pride in their school, benefiting from ongoing professional development.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of distress in pupils. Leaders ensure that concerns are addressed promptly, and pupils are educated on safety, including internet safety. Regular checks by governors and trust leaders reinforce the commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
To further enhance the school, leaders must ensure that the ambitious curriculum is consistently implemented across all subjects, allowing pupils to deepen their knowledge comprehensively. This focus will help the school continue to build on its strengths and provide an excellent educational experience for all pupils.
