Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Roman Hill Primary School on February 14 and 15, 2024, following the school's designation as requiring special measures in April 2022. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made since the last graded inspection and to identify improvements. The inspection team, including Ofsted Inspector Rachael Judd, engaged with the headteacher, trust leaders, and other senior staff to discuss the actions taken to enhance the school environment and educational outcomes.
The inspection revealed that while progress has been made, further work is necessary for the school to be removed from special measures. Leadership changes within the trust have brought new personnel, including a new CEO and director of education, which has contributed to a more stable environment. The headteacher has successfully maintained staff morale and commitment to the school's vision, which is crucial for ongoing improvement.
To enhance the curriculum, the school has adopted high-quality schemes of work, particularly in early reading, which has made the curriculum more ambitious and structured. This approach allows pupils to acquire knowledge incrementally. Additionally, tailored support for students with special educational needs has been implemented, helping many to thrive. However, significant gaps in pupils' knowledge remain due to historical issues with attendance, behavior, and teaching quality. Some staff members struggle to present subject matter clearly or to effectively address pupils' responses, which the leadership team is addressing through targeted training and coaching.
The leadership team recognizes the need for improvement in early years education. Initial changes made after the last inspection did not adequately consider children's starting points, leading to low staff morale. A more detailed improvement plan has since been developed, focusing on adult-led learning and creating opportunities for children to experience engaging and inspiring activities.
The school's personal development program has been well-received, with pupils participating in extracurricular activities that foster new interests and talents. This initiative has positively impacted the school environment, contributing to a sense of belonging among students. The school has also implemented strategies to improve attendance, including home visits to understand barriers to attendance and providing support such as breakfast club access.
Trust leaders are actively supporting the school's improvement journey, ensuring that the balance between challenge and support is maintained. They provide valuable advice and resources, including connections to community organizations that assist parents. Enhanced communication between home and school has been prioritized, with events designed to engage parents and inform them about the school's progress. However, some parents remain unaware of the positive changes, particularly regarding behavior improvements.
The leadership team is committed to safeguarding pupils and has established effective communication channels to address concerns promptly. Pupils have expressed that they feel safer in school now compared to the past, indicating a positive shift in the school culture. Overall, while Roman Hill Primary School has made notable strides in its improvement journey, continued efforts are essential to address existing challenges and ensure that all pupils receive the quality education they deserve.
