Roundswell Community Primary Academy

Overview

Pupils at Roundswell Community Primary Academy are described as “happy, confident learners” who benefit from a “deep sense of care, warmth and nurture” from staff. The school has successfully addressed learning gaps from the pandemic, particularly in early reading, and fosters strong personal development. However, the report notes inconsistencies in curriculum planning across all subjects.

Strengths

• Staff provide effective support for early reading, using a “carefully sequenced phonics curriculum” and regular checks to ensure pupils learn to read well.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported, allowing them to “follow the curriculum successfully” and flourish.
• Behaviour is excellent, with disruption being “very rare” and pupils understanding the importance of respect and kindness.
• Early years provision is strong, with children developing “strong bonds” with adults and becoming independent in their self-care and learning.
• Parents and staff report high levels of positivity, with staff feeling “very well supported and cared for” by leaders.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure key knowledge is “clearly identified and sequenced” in all subjects, as this is not yet fully established everywhere.
• Leaders need to better check the impact of the curriculum on pupils’ learning to inform future planning and ensure consistent implementation.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders promoting their importance, conducting careful checks on new staff, and ensuring pupils feel safe.