Weston Primary School, located in Runcorn, Cheshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on June 15 and 16, 2023. The school has maintained this rating since its previous inspection in October 2021. Pupils express enjoyment in attending the school, feeling safe and looking forward to their interactions with friends and teachers. The leadership and staff uphold high expectations for all students, including those in early years and those with special educational needs and disabilities. This commitment fosters a culture where pupils strive to achieve their best, resulting in overall good academic performance.
Behaviour among pupils aligns with the high standards set by staff. Students are motivated to earn recognition for their efforts, which is celebrated during assemblies. The school promotes values such as respect for diversity, and pupils demonstrate an understanding of these principles. Instances of bullying or unkindness are rare and are addressed promptly by the staff. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, science, music, and cookery clubs, alongside educational trips that enhance the learning experience.
Leaders have prioritized addressing weaknesses identified in the previous inspection, particularly in curriculum design. They have made significant improvements across most subjects, ensuring that pupils continue to learn effectively despite changes in leadership and staffing. The curriculum is broad and knowledge-rich, with teachers well-informed about essential content and its delivery. However, there are areas in early years learning where the curriculum has not been fully finalized, which can occasionally hinder some children's readiness for key stage one.
Staff generally implement the curriculum effectively, selecting appropriate activities to convey new information. They receive training to enhance their subject knowledge and are attentive to pupils' learning progress, addressing misunderstandings as they arise. The school has a robust system for identifying pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Reading is emphasized throughout the school, with initiatives to encourage wider reading among pupils and their families. The phonics program is well-structured, and staff are trained to deliver it effectively. Most pupils can read fluently by the end of Year Six, and younger children begin learning phonics early in their education.
Pupils display good conduct, being polite and well-mannered. They understand the importance of listening and quickly adapt to school routines. However, attendance remains a concern, particularly for some pupils with special educational needs, which limits their access to learning opportunities. Leaders are focused on improving attendance rates to ensure all pupils benefit fully from the school's offerings.
The school has a well-considered personal development program, allowing older pupils to take on leadership roles and engage in community activities. Governors are committed to enhancing the quality of education and are mindful of staff well-being. While some parents have expressed concerns regarding the handling of bullying and support for pupils with special educational needs, inspectors found that leaders are addressing these issues appropriately.
The safeguarding arrangements at Weston Primary School are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Staff receive up-to-date training, enabling them to identify and address safeguarding concerns promptly. Pupils are educated about staying healthy and safe, particularly regarding online risks, and benefit from visits by professionals to reinforce their understanding of safety.
To improve further, the school needs to finalize the curriculum in early years education and address attendance issues for specific groups of pupils. By focusing on these areas, Weston Primary School can continue to enhance the educational experience for all its students.
