Wigley Primary School, located in Wigley, Old Brampton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 17 February 2022. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils and staff referring to themselves as part of ‘the Wigley family.’ This inclusive atmosphere extends to parents and carers, who feel connected to the school environment. The nurturing ethos of the school is evident, as staff and pupils maintain positive relationships, contributing to a safe and happy learning environment. Pupils express that they feel known and valued, with one stating that “everyone knows everyone’s name.”
The classrooms and corridors of Wigley Primary School are calm, allowing pupils to engage enthusiastically in their lessons. Teachers set high expectations, and many pupils rise to these challenges, developing confidence in their abilities. The school encourages pupils to take on various roles, such as prefects and classroom monitors, which enhances their sense of responsibility and belonging. While instances of unkind behavior are rare, pupils are confident that teachers will address any issues promptly.
The curriculum at Wigley Primary School is well-structured, focusing on essential subject-specific vocabulary and building on prior knowledge through what leaders call ‘curriculum cycles.’ This approach allows pupils across different year groups to explore the same concepts in increasing depth. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, enabling pupils to access more challenging content when they are ready. However, some foundation subjects, such as religious education and computing, lack clarity in the identification of key knowledge.
Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and effectively assess pupils’ understanding through questioning. They address misconceptions quickly, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive appropriate support. The school has developed a ‘provision map’ to help staff meet the diverse needs of pupils, resulting in strong achievement for those with SEND.
Reading is a priority at Wigley Primary School, with teachers trained in effective phonics instruction. Activities are designed to help pupils practice their pronunciation, and interventions are provided on the same day if pupils fall behind. Most reading materials are well-matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge, although there are occasional mismatches that can hinder fluency development. Overall, pupils express a love for reading, with younger children enjoying story time and older pupils engaging with class novels.
In the early years, children are well-prepared for learning, displaying independence and taking initiative in their activities. The school emphasizes safety, teaching pupils about protected characteristics and providing opportunities for skill development through residential trips. These experiences help build resilience and contribute to the school’s goal of developing well-rounded citizens.
The leadership team works effectively with governors to support staff and ensure continuous improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a culture of vigilance among staff who are trained to recognize and report concerns. Leaders maintain oversight of safeguarding issues, ensuring that pupils receive timely support.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to ensure that all reading materials are precisely matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge to enhance fluency. Additionally, in some foundation subjects, the identification of key knowledge requires greater precision to ensure that pupils retain important information. Overall, Wigley Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
