Welford and Wickham C.E. Primary School, located in Newbury, Berkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 12, 2024. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing pride in their village school. The staff fosters a nurturing environment, building strong relationships with students and their families. The new leadership has successfully raised expectations regarding both behavior and academic performance, and pupils are responding positively to these challenges. Parents also express pride in the school, highlighting its special qualities.
The school promotes a positive atmosphere where older pupils serve as role models for younger students. Classrooms and playgrounds are lively and engaging, with pupils enjoying activities such as earning sunshine tokens for positive behavior. Special events like Funky Friday playtimes, where students dance and sing, contribute to the joyful environment. Pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of the school's fundamental values, showing perseverance and respect in their interactions. They take pride in receiving raffle tickets as rewards for embodying these values.
Welford and Wickham offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including netball, gardening, and martial arts, which help develop pupils' interests and talents. The excitement surrounding the arrival of a Shetland pony for the pony care club exemplifies the school's commitment to providing enriching experiences. The curriculum has been revamped, particularly in mathematics and phonics, with clear expectations for what pupils should learn over a two-year cycle. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are achieving well, as evidenced by their knowledge and skills in subjects like physical education.
However, the school acknowledges that there is room for improvement. While the new curriculum is being implemented, staff recognize the need for further embedding to enhance pupils' connections to prior learning. The school's assessment of the curriculum's impact is still developing, which limits its understanding of how effectively pupils are learning. In some foundation subjects, expectations may not be sufficiently high. The school is actively working with staff to ensure a consistent and effective delivery of the new curriculum.
Reading is a priority, and the school has successfully implemented a phonics program that begins in Reception. Staff are trained to identify pupils who need additional support, ensuring that all students have access to a wide range of high-quality texts. The new library is a source of pride, and pupils enthusiastically discuss their favorite authors and books.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior throughout the school, engaging well in lessons and demonstrating politeness and good manners. The school effectively promotes personal development, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and providing opportunities for leadership through roles such as prefects and sports captains. Enrichment experiences, including trips and performances, further enhance the educational experience.
Staff morale is high, with a strong sense of teamwork and support for managing workloads. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to strengthen its curriculum implementation and assessment processes to enhance pupil learning and achievement. Overall, Welford and Wickham C.E. Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
