Wilburton CofE Primary School in Ely, Cambridgeshire, received a Good rating in its recent inspection conducted on November 8 and 9, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel proud and happy to attend. The school promotes values of excellence, love, and well-being, which are evident in the respectful interactions among pupils. Older students engage positively with younger ones during break times, fostering a sense of community and care.
The strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a safe atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their concerns. Clear routines and expectations are established from the start, allowing pupils to focus on their learning with minimal distractions. This supportive environment enables all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to grow in confidence and achieve academic success.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as house captains and pupil ministers, which helps develop their confidence and independence. The school has implemented an ambitious curriculum that identifies key knowledge for pupils to learn and remember across all subjects. Leaders regularly assess pupil progress and use this information to enhance the curriculum, resulting in strong academic progress from early years through Year 6.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and frequently check pupil understanding, adapting lessons to meet individual needs. However, there are instances where explanations and presentations of new information could be clearer, particularly when introducing new vocabulary. This occasionally leads to challenges for pupils in grasping new concepts and building on prior knowledge.
Reading is prioritized from the beginning of the Reception Year, with well-trained staff teaching effective reading strategies. Despite this, inconsistencies in terminology used by staff can create confusion for pupils transitioning between phonics groups. Nevertheless, reading materials are well-matched to pupils' abilities, and those struggling with reading receive prompt support to help them catch up.
The school environment is calm and conducive to learning, with pupils displaying good behavior in lessons and during social times. The early years program effectively promotes independence and responsibility among children. The school actively encourages positive attendance and has established strong relationships with parents, contributing to improved attendance and punctuality.
Pupils benefit from a comprehensive personal development program that addresses important issues such as relationships and safety. While pupils demonstrate knowledge of various topics, their understanding of fundamental British values, such as tolerance and democracy, is less secure. The school is aware of this gap and is taking steps to incorporate these values into collective worship.
The governing body plays an active role in monitoring the school's performance, providing support and challenge to leaders. Staff feel valued and respected, with their workload considered in decision-making processes. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school should focus on providing teachers with consistent guidance and knowledge to enhance the clarity of their instruction, particularly in phonics lessons. This will help ensure that pupils secure their understanding and make connections with prior knowledge more effectively. Overall, Wilburton CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
