Waverton Community Primary School, located in Chester, Cheshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 23 and 24, 2021. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils are polite, well-mannered, and enjoy their time at school. The strong relationships among pupils, families, and staff contribute to a sense of community, with pupils appreciating the supportive atmosphere that encourages them to be themselves.
The leadership team at Waverton has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged pupils. The curriculum has been enhanced to support pupils' learning and achievement. Pupils demonstrate good behavior and have a solid understanding of diversity and equality. They feel safe and are confident that any incidents of bullying will be addressed promptly by the school leaders.
Pupils have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and technology clubs. They are eager to participate in upcoming day trips and residential visits as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic begin to diminish. Older pupils particularly enjoy inter-school sports, and there are numerous opportunities for them to take on responsibilities and develop leadership skills, such as serving as prefects or house captains.
The school has developed a broad and balanced curriculum that effectively builds on pupils' prior knowledge. For instance, the Year 1 curriculum is designed to enhance the learning experiences of children transitioning from the Reception class. Teaching is well-structured and includes engaging visits and guest speakers, which enrich the learning experience. However, there are instances where some pupils do not fully secure their understanding before moving on to new concepts, particularly in mathematics, where fluency in recalling number facts could be improved.
Leaders have made strides in enhancing reading instruction, particularly in Key Stage 2, where older pupils are developing greater fluency and comprehension skills. The teaching of phonics in the early years and Key Stage 1 is structured, but there is room for improvement in the delivery of the new phonics curriculum, which is still in its early stages of implementation. This has resulted in some pupils taking longer to develop their reading fluency than expected.
Teachers actively monitor pupils' learning during lessons, allowing them to identify those who may need additional support. The school is adept at helping pupils catch up if they fall behind, and staff are well-trained to support pupils with special educational needs effectively. Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, demonstrating attentiveness and a desire to excel.
The school community values the strong sense of belonging fostered by the leadership team. New governors have joined the governing body, bringing valuable skills and experience to support the school's governance. Staff appreciate the training they receive to enhance their teaching skills and recognize the efforts made by leaders to manage their workload.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well-trained to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. They are knowledgeable about the pupils and their families, which aids in identifying any concerns. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe online and in various situations, contributing to their overall awareness of safety protocols.
In summary, Waverton Community Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with strong leadership, a supportive community, and a commitment to improving teaching and learning. However, there are areas for growth, particularly in ensuring that all pupils have ample opportunities to secure their understanding before progressing to new material.
