Wortham Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive in this supportive and inclusive school. Pupils are happy and love learning because lessons are fun.

Interesting experiences bring learning to life. Pupils know that the school wants them to succeed. They flourish with the extra help and support provided when needed.

Pupils take pride in their work and are highly motivated to try their best. Many pupils go on to achieve the high standards expected of them. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well from their starting points.

Pupils fully understand the school rules. They behave in an incredibly caring and compassionate manner towards each other. Pupils are kin...d and sensitive to the feelings of others.

Pupils celebrate their differences and achievements. They are unanimous that everyone should be treated fairly and equally. This ethos permeates the school.

Consequently, pupils form positive friendships and fallings-out are rare. Older pupils responsibly help younger pupils safely use the outdoor equipment and hammock area.Pupils debate ideas about how to improve the school as part of the school and eco councils.

Pupils gain a strong understanding of sustainability by creating their own compost and making eco-friendly changes to their outdoor area.

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

The school's curriculum is ambitious and stretches pupils' learning beyond national expectations. Pupils confidently integrate their knowledge across subjects.

Lessons are consistently well organised and engaging. Teachers' secure subject knowledge allows them to explain new concepts clearly. They regularly check that pupils understand their learning before moving on.

Pupils then confidently apply their learning independently. The school identifies children at risk of falling behind and provides extra help, so they catch up.The school makes sure all pupils, including those with SEND, get the support they need to succeed.

Pupils with SEND reflect with teachers about what will help them further. The way teachers adapt work to meet individual pupils' needs is highly effective. This ensures all pupils can access learning with their peers.

Pupils are enthusiastic about reading. They delight in the wide range of books, articles and poems they read. These texts prompt deep discussions about social and moral issues.

They challenge stereotypes and help pupils appreciate the diverse world they live in.In the early stages of reading, pupils read books matched to the sounds they know. Trained staff provide daily support and practice, helping pupils become confident, fluent readers.

This allows them to enjoy learning across the curriculum. Over time, pupils become inquisitive readers and enjoy independent research on various topics of personal interest.Children in the early years get off to an excellent start.

High-quality and frequent interactions develop children's communication and language skills. The organised learning environment invites children to select materials to be creative. Children show high levels of focus and concentration because experiences spark their curiosity.

For example, sensory experiences help develop the foundations for scientific learning. Children learn to understand and name their emotions. Stories help children understand and talk about their feelings and behaviour.

This helps them to share equipment and be kind to one another as they play together. This prepares children very well for Year 1.Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

They have highly positive attitudes to their learning and attend school regularly. Pupils consistently follow the school's rules and routines. The school helps pupils learn how to manage their feelings and emotions.

This helps them to maintain positive mental health.The school supports pupils' personal development exceptionally well. Pupils enjoy sharing experiences such as working with wildlife experts and visiting the Anglo-Saxon village.

These broaden their horizons and enhance learning. Pupils learn how to manage online risks. Cookery and sewing clubs develop wider skills.

All pupils learn the clarinet and guitar. This helps them develop new talents and perseverance. The school's values are an integral part of pupils' character development.

Pupils are highly respectful. They understand that people may have different opinions, views and ideas. Pupils explore complex topics such as slavery and the civil rights movement.

This helps pupils develop their social and moral understanding.All leaders, including trustees, ensure that the education the school provides has a positive impact on its pupils. Staff receive effective training that leads to the high-quality teaching pupils receive.

Staff appreciate the support leaders provide for their well-being and workload. Parents and carers value the school for its nurturing and supportive environment.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.