Welbourne Primary School, located in Tottenham, London, underwent an inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, while the quality of education, personal development, and early years provision were rated as good. However, behaviour and attitudes, as well as leadership and management, were identified as areas needing improvement. The previous inspection in January 2018 had rated the school as good.
Pupils at Welbourne Primary School express pride in their school and understand its core values, which include community, respect, self-belief, and innovation. They appreciate the opportunities for recognition and celebration, such as receiving certificates for positive attendance and modelling the right of the week. Weekly celebration assemblies are valued by the students. The school environment is generally safe, and most pupils behave well in class due to clear expectations. However, behaviour in the playground is less effectively managed, leading to unresolved incidents of bullying despite efforts to promote anti-bullying messages.
The curriculum at Welbourne is ambitious and aligns with national expectations, allowing pupils to prepare well for their next educational stages. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as prefects and sports ambassadors, and participate in various enriching activities, including visits to museums and galleries. These experiences enhance their learning and development.
While the curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, some areas are still in the early stages of development, which affects the clarity of essential knowledge that pupils need to learn. Teachers typically assess pupils' understanding to identify and address learning gaps, but in certain subjects, the foundational knowledge is not emphasized as clearly, leading to less secure understanding among pupils.
Reading is a priority for school leaders, who have implemented a structured phonics program starting in early years. This program helps pupils develop vocabulary and reading fluency, with timely support provided for those who struggle. The school fosters a love for reading through diverse literature, motivating pupils to engage with various texts.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are identified accurately, and staff receive training to support these students. However, the adaptations made for these pupils are not consistently effective, leading to challenges in accessing the curriculum. Behaviour management in classrooms is generally effective, but some pupils require reminders about expectations. Lunchtime behaviour management is less consistent, and some incidents are not addressed promptly.
Leaders have recognized the need to improve pupil attendance and have established systems to encourage regular attendance. The school offers a range of enrichment opportunities, including STEM activities and personal, social, and health education, which help pupils understand important life skills and issues.
While leaders and governors fulfill their statutory duties, they lack a precise understanding of the school's effectiveness, which hinders their ability to identify key areas for improvement. Closer oversight is necessary to ensure that priorities for improvement are focused on the most critical needs. The school has the potential to enhance its effectiveness by addressing these areas, particularly in behaviour management and curriculum development for certain subjects. Overall, while there are strengths in the quality of education and personal development, there are significant areas that require attention to ensure a consistently positive experience for all pupils.
