Rothley Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 December 2022

This school is ambitious for all pupils to achieve well. Leaders have ensured that academic achievement is high. However, their ambitions extend beyond the academic. There is an extensive extra-curricular offer. Pupils can hold many positions of responsibility, such as being a subject ambassador or pupil governor. Sitting at the centre of pupil development is the 'Bee Code'. Pupils learn to 'be ready, be respectful, be kind and be safe'. Pupils learn at an early stage the significance of this code in becoming responsible and respectful citizens. For example, they support their community through charity work. The 'code' ensures that pupils behave well and are supportive of one another. There is a real sense of community as a consequence. One parent stated: 'The sense of identity and community that is instilled in the children is a major strength.' Pupils feel safe and enjoy coming to school. They say incidents of bullying are rare. Trained pupil play leaders provide support to younger pupils at breaktimes. They help play games and resolve disputes. Pupils know teachers and adults in the school will look after them. One pupil said: 'Teachers are very good at sorting things out. We all have a trusted adult. They always listen and help us.'

What the school should improve

• Leaders have made considered and effective decisions to enhance the curriculum in some subjects. However, in a few subjects not all planning yet details the key learning clearly enough. This means that some pupils do not remember all they have learned. Curriculum leaders should ensure that the key knowledge is identified so that teachers can make it more explicit and pupils remember more of what they have been taught.
• There is a wide array of extra-curricular activities on offer. However, checks to establish which pupils access these opportunities could be more rigorous. As a consequence, some pupils do not access the available activities. Leaders should bring a greater level of scrutiny to who is attending clubs and occupying positions of responsibility. They should be more strategic in establishing what experiences pupils need, and want, particularly the most disadvantaged pupils.

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