Weald Community Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

Weald is a good school. Pupils are great ambassadors for their school, of which they, parents and carers, staff and governors are very proud.

One parent summed up the views of many in the comment, 'The school is a very happy place rooted in the heart of the community providing a positive learning experience.' Pupils' good personal skills are underpinned and promoted by outstanding care, guidance and support by all the staff. As a result, pupils feel safe and secure, and confident to talk to any member of staff should any problems arise.

Pupils appreciate the benefit of being part of a small school community. One pupil said, 'We like it being small because you know everyone, it's very safe and... comfortable, you feel like you're at home.' Pupils are well-rounded individuals who are happy, confident and excited by all their experiences at school.

They are polite, welcoming, articulate and friendly. Pupils care for each other in this inclusive, cohesive school community and enjoy coming to school, as shown by their above average attendance. Their moral and social development is excellent.

Pupils make good progress during their time in school. Their achievement is outstanding and, by the time they leave, attainment is high in English and mathematics. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make similarly good progress to others because their needs are identified at an early stage, effective support is provided and their progress is carefully monitored.

Good teaching and a good curriculum promote pupils' good progress. The school has correctly identified, from its analysis of data at the end of Key Stage 2, that some pupils who achieved the higher level (Level 3) at the end of Year 2 do not always make the progress of which they are capable from Year 3 onwards. The school has recognised the need to analyse assessment information with more rigour and frequency as pupils move through the school in order to equip teachers with more information to improve learning or to provide a strategic whole-school overview of progress.

The headteacher's good leadership, supported well by the deputy headteacher, ensures high expectations and aspirations for pupils and staff. Clear systems for monitoring and self-evaluation have enabled all leaders to focus on the most important aspects for development and take effective action to bring about improvement. Good outcomes have been maintained since the previous inspection and pupils' attainment has improved.

Over the past year, the effective distribution of leadership roles has resulted in increased confidence and effectiveness of all staff in tackling the school's improvement priorities. This demonstrates that there is good capacity for sustained improvement.

Information about the school

Weald is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well below average. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average.

Provision is made for the Early Years Foundation Stage in a Reception class. The school has gained a number of national awards including Healthy Schools status, Activemark and Artsmark awards, and a Quality Mark for Extended Services. The headteacher was appointed in September 2010.