Roger De Clare First CofE School

Overview

Pupils are described as happy, feeling "cared for and safe" within a school characterised by "warm, welcoming relationships". The report notes that the school’s work to address previous weaknesses has been "quick and effective", resulting in a "broad and ambitious" curriculum with clear sequencing.

Strengths

• Staff teach phonics with "skill and expertise", ensuring children begin their reading journey early and receive quick support if at risk of falling behind.
• Early years provision is praised for being "well-thought-out", with adults using "ambitious vocabulary" to build children’s language and social skills effectively.
• The school fosters an "inclusive culture" where the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "accurately identified" and supported through close agency collaboration.
• Personal, social and health education supports well-being, helping pupils develop a "good understanding of different religions and views" and learn how to stay safe online.
• Governors "understand the school’s strengths and priorities" and provide "effective support and challenge" to drive improvement.

Areas to improve

• Curriculum delivery is "not yet consistent across all classes", meaning some pupils do not develop sufficient depth in their knowledge and skills.
• Adaptations for pupils with SEND are "not precise enough" in a few classes, preventing some from learning the curriculum as well as they should.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."