Woolston CofE Aided Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish at this welcoming and aspirational school where everyone wants the best for them. Pupils' positive educational experience is reflected in their high rates of attendance and their eager smiles.

Pupils are happy in school.

They forge strong relationships with the staff and with each other. Pupils are encouraged to talk about any of their worries and are offered the support that they need to thrive. This helps them to feel safe and secure.

Pupils enjoy learning. They are keen to work hard in their lessons. Pupils are proud to reach the high expectations that the school has for their achievement.

Pupils, including those with special educa...tional needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve highly in many subjects. This means that they can embark on the next stage of their education with confidence.

Pupils' behaviour around school and their attitudes towards learning are exemplary.

They are polite, friendly and articulate. Pupils are keen to carry out a range of special roles, such as peer mentors and play leaders, which encourage them to become mutually supportive of each other.

Pupils appreciate the many clubs on offer.

They take pride in representing their school in sporting competitions.

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

From the start of the Reception Year, the school provides a stimulating and ambitious curriculum which motivates all pupils, including those with SEND, to engage meaningfully in learning.

In most subjects, the important content, including the subject-specific vocabulary, that pupils need to learn has been clearly identified.

The school has given careful consideration to the order in which this knowledge is taught. This ensures that pupils build on their previous learning when presented with new information.

In most subjects, teachers receive helpful information and guidance about how to deliver curriculums effectively.

They use their well-developed subject knowledge to explain new ideas clearly. Teachers check pupils' understanding carefully and address any misconceptions swiftly. The school's particular focus on developing vocabulary ensures that pupils access new curriculum content with confidence.

The additional needs of pupils with SEND are identified early and accurately. Teachers are highly skilled in their use of strategies to ensure that these pupils access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers and achieve well. While pupils develop independence in their learning, well-trained teaching assistants also offer appropriate support when necessary.

Pupils progress well through the curriculum and deepen their understanding of important concepts. They achieve high levels of success in many subjects. However, in a small number of subjects where curriculums are less well established, teachers' subject knowledge is not as secure.

This means that, in these areas, pupils' achievement is not as strong as it could be.

Reading is pivotal throughout the school's curriculum. This is understood well by parents and carers.

They appreciate the information that the school provides about how they can support their children with reading at home.

As soon as they start in the Reception Year, children quickly learn how to recognise sounds and their corresponding letters. Staff deliver the clearly structured phonics programme consistently well.

Pupils practise reading regularly with books that match the sounds that they have learned. Any pupils who need extra help receive tailored support so that they catch up quickly with their peers. This means that almost all pupils become fluent and accurate readers by the end of Year 2.

Pupils have plentiful opportunities to read independently for pleasure and to further their knowledge through research. They become confident and enthusiastic readers who are eager to talk about their favourite books and authors.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent.

The tone is set in the early years, where children listen intently and interact happily with each other. Throughout the school, pupils display highly positive attitudes to learning. Lessons are rarely disrupted by poor behaviour, so pupils can concentrate without interruption.

The school provides a range of opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of diversity in modern British society. Pupils learn about people with different backgrounds, faiths and families. They adopt a mature and thoughtful approach to discussions about themes such as democracy and equality.

Pupils are keen to make sure that everyone is included. They demonstrate empathy for others and understand that everyone, regardless of their differences, should be treated with respect.

Governors are dedicated and keen to make a positive difference.

Although they provide valuable support to the school, some governors lack sufficient awareness of some aspects of the school's curriculum. This limits their ability to offer appropriate levels of challenge.

Staff are proud to work at the school.

They appreciate that policies have been reviewed to prevent unnecessary workload. For example, the new streamlined approach to assessment affords teachers more time to respond to pupils' needs.The school keeps parents well informed about their children's achievements.

Parents are resoundingly positive about the school. They particularly value the level of care shown towards their children by the whole-staff team.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a small number of subjects teachers lack sufficient clarity and guidance to deliver the curriculums effectively. This prevents some pupils from achieving as well as they could. The school should work to strengthen the implementation of these subjects and ensure that governors get the information that they need to contribute to the ongoing development of the curriculum.