The Welbourn Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are happy at Welbourn Church of England Primary School.

They enjoy their learning and talk with enthusiasm about school life. They understand and meet the high expectations set by staff. Pupils say that they feel safe.

They like the rewards they earn for doing their best. They enjoy making a positive contribution to the school. They like being school councillors, junior road safety representatives and sports leaders.

Relationships between pupils and adults are very positive. Pupils are polite and respectful. They behave exceptionally well.

They know that staff quickly sort out any problems and that bullying is not tolerated. Bullying rarely oc...curs. Pupils know that if they have concerns, staff are always available to talk to them.

Pupils enjoy a wide range of experiences during their time at the school. They learn to play musical instruments, take part in woodland activities and learn to swim. They attend sports clubs and the cookery club.

Visits to a farm, a nature reserve, and an aquarium, and visits from a theatre company, have a lasting and positive impact on pupils. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. One parent typically commented, 'I'm so happy that my children attend this school, it's got such a lovely community.'



What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have constructed an ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders have successfully adapted the curriculum for mixed-age classes. Curriculum plans identify the key knowledge that pupils need to learn and the order in which they need to learn it.

For example, fractions are taught before decimals, then percentages. Leaders have provided training to develop staff's subject knowledge. Teachers implement the curriculum effectively in most subjects.

However, in a few subjects, the work given to pupils is not ambitious enough. In these subjects, lessons do not always build on what pupils know. As a result, pupils make slower progress in those areas.

Teachers regularly check what pupils know and are learning. Teachers recognise when pupils have not understood concepts, and they provide the necessary support. Teachers provide pupils with regular memory tasks to revisit and check what they have learned.

There is a strong focus on key vocabulary and language in all subjects to support and build learning.

Leaders are ambitious for pupils with SEND. Leaders ensure that teachers adapt their teaching for pupils with SEND according to their needs.

Leaders identify pupils with SEND as soon as possible. Teachers receive training to support and meet these pupils' needs. Leaders' plans to support pupils' learning are clear, and teachers use them well.

The school seeks external support for these pupils when necessary.

Leaders have made reading a priority. Pupils learn to read from when they start in Reception.

All staff are trained to teach the systematic phonics programme well. The daily phonics sessions are highly structured and are delivered effectively. Teachers make sure that books are matched to the letters and sounds that pupils are learning.

Teachers read daily to pupils. Leaders identify pupils who may be falling behind in their reading. These pupils receive extra support to catch up.

Pupils practise reading regularly to become fluent readers. Pupils appreciate the new library and enjoy visiting it.

Leaders' high ambition for pupils begins in the early years.

A well-sequenced curriculum ensures children learn well and are ready for their next phase of learning. Teachers assess children regularly to identify their learning and next steps. Leaders ensure that there is a sharp focus on developing children's communication and language skills.

Children enjoy learning through well-planned activities. They play happily together and demonstrate well-developed social skills.

Pupils have consistently positive attitudes toward their learning.

Many make a significant contribution to the life of the school. They demonstrate high levels of respect. Pupils support the well-being of other pupils.

They attend school regularly. Leaders monitor attendance closely and work with families to reduce pupils' absence.

The curriculum strongly supports pupils' personal development.

Leaders are keen to extend pupils' experiences beyond the local community. Pupils visit places of interest, such as York and the National Space Centre. Pupils learn about a wide range of issues that prepare them well to become healthy, safe and responsible citizens.

Pupils learn how to debate important issues. Collective worship and assemblies play a key role in developing pupils' character. Pupils develop an understanding of fundamental British values.

They learn about world religions and understand the importance of respecting different faiths. They learn about difference and diversity. Pupils have opportunities to be active citizens, for example by raising money for charity.

Governors know the school well. They support and hold leaders to account to bring about improvements in the school. Leaders work very well with staff.

They consider staff's well-being and workload. Staff enjoy working at the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

There is a strong culture of safeguarding at this school. Leaders and governors regularly check the school's safeguarding procedures. Staff are clear about their responsibilities for safeguarding pupils.

Leaders ensure that staff have regular training. Staff report any concerns they may have about pupils' welfare immediately. Record-keeping is comprehensive.

Leaders take prompt actions to follow up on any concerns. Leaders work with outside agencies to make sure that pupils receive the help they need to stay safe.Pupils learn about healthy relationships.

Pupils learn about online safety. They are aware of the importance of keeping themselves mentally well.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Leaders have designed and implemented a curriculum that matches the breadth of the national curriculum.

However, in a few foundation subjects, the curriculum is not ambitious enough. As a result, pupils do not learn as well as they could in those areas. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is suitably ambitious, enabling pupils to know more and remember more in all subjects.