Welton Church of England Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at Welton Church of England Academy. Leaders set exceptionally high expectations. They are determined that all pupils will leave the school as confident learners.

Relationships between the pupils and staff are very positive. This makes the pupils feel safe and confident.

Leaders meticulously plan opportunities to enrich the curriculum.

Pupils benefit enormously from first-hand experiences to complement their learning. These include visits to places of worship and museums. Pupils enthuse about the wide range of clubs, including cookery, movie, sports and choir.

They say that there is something for everyone.

Pupils relish taking ...responsibility as leaders. They feel proud, for example, of the work they do as house captains, leaders of prayer and ethics, or being part of the 'Action for Change' group.

Pupils are involved in debates and decision-making, such as with the creation of the spiritual garden.

Parents and carers are positive about the education their children receive. One view shared by many was, 'The teachers work tirelessly to give the pupils the best education possible.'



Pupils' behaviour and attitudes are excellent. They are respectful, well mannered and polite. Bullying is not tolerated.

It happens rarely.

Pupils know the value and the importance of treating everyone as an equal. Pupils say that 'everyone at this school is a part of the same community'.

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

Leaders have a clear vision. They want pupils to appreciate important values and achieve well. Leaders have found the right balance between academic studies and developing well-rounded citizens.

As a result, pupils leave at the end of Year 6 very well prepared for secondary school and life beyond.

Leaders have implemented a coherent, sequenced curriculum from the early years through to Year 6. It is broad, ambitious and aspirational.

Leaders consider the knowledge and skills they want pupils to learn at each stage of their education. The curriculum is carefully organised into small steps to enable pupils to remember more.

The curriculum includes a well-chosen amount of practice and revision.

For example, lessons begin with a recall of what pupils know before moving to more complex work. This ensures that pupils' knowledge and understanding deepen exceptionally well over time.

Teaching helps pupils to learn and remember the curriculum well.

Through excellent use of questioning, teachers frequently check pupils' learning. In history, pupils enthusiastically remember what they have learned. For example, they confidently talk about Julius Caesar and the role of the triumvirate.

Leaders ensure that reading is a high priority for all pupils. Phonics is taught as soon as children start school. The phonics programme is tightly structured.

It is taught consistently well. Pupils quickly learn the sounds that different groups of letters make. Staff employ a very wide range of strategies to encourage pupils to read for pleasure.

Leaders provide high-quality support for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Teachers use appropriate resources and skilful strategies to make learning accessible. Well-structured lessons ensure that pupils keep up.

Pupils benefit from extra support when needed.

Children in the early years get off to a strong start. They settle quickly into familiar routines.

Leaders plan activities to develop their knowledge and skills in early reading and mathematics. Early years staff use every opportunity to move children on in their learning. The environment is carefully organised to help children know and remember more.

For example, photographs of previous topics are displayed to help children remember what they have learned in the past. Children with SEND access the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers use a range of strategies to enable this, such as providing extra help to those who need it.

There is a consistent approach to behaviour across the school. Staff understand pupils and their individual needs. Behaviour is exemplary.

Pupils are highly respectful and supportive of each other.

There is an impressive personal development programme. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education are woven into pupils' learning.

Pupils have an excellent understanding of equality and British values. Pupils learn about different faiths and cultures. They value diversity.

They know that everyone is equal.

Leaders keep a close track of which pupils engage in extra-curricular activities. Leaders make sure that the most disadvantaged pupils do not miss out.

Senior leaders provide high-quality professional development for staff. Teachers appreciate leaders' support around workload and welfare. Staff feel privileged to work at the school.

Governors and trustees have a strong understanding of the school. They share leaders' strong ambition and are not complacent. Governors are highly effective at holding leaders to account.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders take their safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. There is a strong culture of safeguarding, and effective systems are in place to keep pupils safe.

Leaders know pupils and their families well. They take prompt action in response to any potential concerns. Staff receive regular and appropriate training.

Records are well maintained.

Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe. This includes when they are online.