Widford School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The recently appointed headteacher leads the school with high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Since her appointment, she has quickly improved the quality of the curriculum, teaching and pupils' outcomes. Pupils have positive attitudes and conduct themselves well, as they enjoy school.

Safeguarding is effective and meets requirements. Pupils feel and are safe because : of the care they receive. Teachers use their subject knowledge to good effect.

This ensures that pupils deepen their knowledge and understanding across many subjects. The headteacher, staff and governors work well together to ensure that pupils make good progress ac...ross all classes. Teaching assistants are effectively deployed to support all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Leaders have developed a curriculum that is broad and balanced. Pupils can talk about their learning across a range of subjects that develop their interests and expertise. The leadership of the early years is strong, including provision for two-year-old children.

Children in Nursery and Reception receive a good start to their education. The strength in teaching and the standard of care enable them to make good progress. Leaders promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural education and fundamental British values well.

In addition, pupils reflect the school's values. Parents and carers recognise and welcome the improvements in the school since the headteacher's appointment. Many subject leaders are new to their roles.

With good-quality training and development, they are improving their skills and expertise. Leaders' plans to develop the classroom and outdoor environments to provide accessible opportunities for learning for all pupils are well under way. The curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to learn to write in a range of subjects.

However, pupils do not use their writing skills enough to deepen their knowledge and improve their vocabulary across all subjects.

Information about this school

This is a very small village school with four mixed-age classes from 2–11 years. The school has expanded its Nursery provision this year to include two-year-olds.

The headteacher and chair of the governing body have changed since the previous inspection. All teaching staff now undertake leadership roles in the school. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils who are eligible for additional support from the pupil premium funding is below the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is below the national average; a very small proportion of pupils have an education, health and care plan. Since the previous inspection, the school has sought continuing support from the local authority.