Rawmarsh Sandhill Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 June 2023

This is a welcoming and inclusive school. Leaders and staff hold pupils at the centre of everything they do. Pupils work well together. They feel safe and happy. Leaders have built a curriculum where difference is understood. Pupils understand the importance of treating one another with fairness. They respect the differences between people. Leaders and staff have set high expectations for pupils' behaviour and conduct. The 'Sandhill Way' is displayed around school. This is a list of positive characteristics for life. These have a positive effect on both the behaviour and character development of pupils. Through 'The Sandhill Way', pupils learn to take responsibility for their own actions. As a result, they are polite and respectful. This starts in early years, where clear routines are established and children learn self-control. There is a calm environment in classrooms and around the school. Bullying is rare and when it does occur, it is dealt with effectively. Pupils experience a range of after-school clubs and trips. They enjoy sports and physical activity. Leaders encourage pupils to be the best they can be. Pupils understand that while there is a place for competition, taking part in sport is important in itself.

What the school should improve

• For some pupils at the earliest stages of reading, support is not precise enough. This prevents these pupils from catching up as quickly as they should. Leaders should work with staff to ensure that phonic teaching and support better meet the needs of all of these pupils.
• The curriculum is less securely embedded in a small number of subjects. This means that pupils have not yet built a cumulatively sufficient depth of knowledge for future learning in some areas of the curriculum. Leaders should continue to ensure that all subjects are consistently implemented so that pupils better connect and apply their knowledge over time.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)