Waverley Primary School has shown significant improvement since its last inspection, achieving a rating of good across all areas including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school prioritizes reading, and pupils express enthusiasm for reading, demonstrating a strong interest in various stories. Bullying is infrequent, and students feel confident that staff address any issues promptly. The school offers numerous opportunities for outdoor learning, allowing pupils to experience the world beyond Newcastle, which contributes to their sense of safety and well-being.
The leadership team, strengthened by the appointment of a deputy headteacher and an assistant headteacher, has established effective systems for school improvement. Governors possess diverse skills and hold staff accountable, ensuring that financial resources are allocated to initiatives that positively impact student learning. Staff morale is high, with many expressing appreciation for the headteacher's support. The curriculum for reading, writing, and mathematics has been successfully enhanced, with lessons designed to reinforce essential content. As a result, pupils' attainment in these subjects has significantly increased over the past three years.
The school continues to invest in reading resources and phonics programs, ensuring that pupils have access to a variety of books that match their reading levels. However, there are instances where staff may provide too much assistance to struggling readers, which can hinder their development. Additionally, some pupils face challenges with spelling and handwriting, indicating areas for further improvement. The school has made strides in improving attendance and behaviour, with support for families being more effective than in the past.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, and feedback from parents is overwhelmingly positive. The early years provision is strong, with children learning foundational skills in reading and writing from an early age. The curriculum is engaging and encourages play-based learning, fostering social interactions among children.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are still areas that require attention. The curriculum in foundation subjects needs to be more coherently planned and sequenced to ensure that pupils revisit key content regularly. Additionally, while pupils demonstrate strong writing composition skills, their transcription abilities need improvement. Leaders must focus on enhancing pupils' spelling and handwriting, ensuring they can apply their phonics knowledge effectively.
The school has established a culture of safeguarding, with staff trained to recognize signs of abuse or neglect. Leaders act swiftly when attendance issues arise, collaborating with professionals to ensure pupil safety. Pupils are aware of whom to approach if they have concerns, and staff are equipped to handle disclosures appropriately.
In summary, Waverley Primary School has made significant strides in improving its educational offerings and overall environment. The leadership team is committed to ongoing development, and while there are areas for growth, the school is on a positive trajectory. The focus on reading, strong leadership, and supportive environment contribute to a thriving school community where pupils feel safe and engaged in their learning.
