Rotherfield Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 January 2023

Pupils arrive to a warm welcome at the school gate. This creates a buzz of excitement and a positive start to the day. Because this is a small school, pupils say that they all get to know one another here and say that 'everyone can have a friend'. This inclusivity can be seen at breaktimes, when pupils are quick to invite or include others in their imaginative games. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly supportive of the school. They particularly appreciate the strong sense of family and community that is nurtured here. Pupils feel happy, safe and secure. They are confident to talk to a trusted adult if they are worried. They know that if bullying were to happen, staff would provide kindness and care. The curriculum helps prepare pupils for life in the diverse wider world. Leaders have high expectations of all pupils to work hard and reach their potential in all subjects. Pupils enjoy their learning. They behave well in class and focus carefully on the tasks set. Pupils particularly appreciate the lively learning discussions with their 'talk partners'. They are confident in sharing their thoughts and points of view, but also listen respectfully to others.

What the school should improve

• Assessment in the foundation subjects is not yet consistently in place. As a result, teachers and subject leaders do not always know how secure pupils are in their knowledge acquisition. Leaders now need to establish a clear approach to checking what pupils know and remember so that knowledge is embedded, and pupils can use it fluently.
• Some older pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read are not getting the targeted support needed to learn phonics. This means that some pupils are not able to decode words confidently and read fluently. Leaders need to ensure that every adult has the knowledge and expertise to teach phonics so that all pupils can learn to enjoy reading.

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