West Pelton Primary School, located in County Durham, has been recognized for its effective educational practices and positive learning environment. The recent inspection on October 15, 2024, confirmed that the school has maintained the high standards established during its previous inspection in November 2019. The school is characterized by its high expectations for pupils, who are encouraged to acquire essential knowledge and skills across various subjects, leading to commendable academic achievements.
The school places a strong emphasis on preparing pupils for life beyond Year 6. Through meaningful educational experiences and planned visits outside their local area, pupils are exposed to a broader perspective of the world, which helps to raise their aspirations and supports informed decision-making about their futures. The positive atmosphere within the school is evident during lunchtime, where older pupils engage with younger ones, fostering a sense of community and support.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards their learning, and the school promotes good behavior through restorative conversations that encourage reflection on the impact of their actions. The school prioritizes the safety and well-being of its pupils, ensuring they understand their right to feel safe and the importance of healthy relationships. The nurturing environment in the Nursery fosters warm relationships between adults and children, contributing to a supportive learning atmosphere.
Since the last inspection, the school has undertaken a comprehensive review of its curriculum, focusing on the sequence and importance of what pupils learn. An effective two-year cycle has been implemented, allowing pupils to reinforce and apply their learning. Teachers emphasize key vocabulary in their lessons, ensuring that pupils can understand and utilize new terms effectively. The school is committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, although there is room for improvement in helping these pupils connect their current learning with prior knowledge.
In phonics instruction, the school tailors teaching to match the abilities of mixed-age classes, ensuring that pupils read books aligned with their phonics knowledge. Regular assessments help identify those needing additional support, and engaging storytelling in the Nursery encourages early literacy skills. In mathematics, while teachers support pupils in articulating their thought processes, there are instances where more advanced pupils do not encounter sufficiently challenging problems to deepen their understanding.
The school actively teaches respect and tolerance, with pupils expressing pride in applying British values in their lives. However, attendance remains a concern, with some pupils having low attendance rates that hinder their learning. The school has identified improving attendance as a priority and has established processes to address daily absences, although persistent absence figures remain high.
The school utilizes its environment effectively to enhance learning, with displays outside classrooms maximizing educational opportunities. Staff members, who often have multiple responsibilities, appreciate the leadership's efforts to manage their workload. Governors play an active role in holding the school accountable, ensuring continued improvement since the last inspection.
The safeguarding arrangements at West Pelton Primary School are effective, contributing to a safe and supportive environment for all pupils. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high educational standards while addressing areas for improvement, particularly in attendance and the development of strategies to enhance learning connections for all pupils.
