Willington Primary School, located in Willington, Crook, County Durham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 4 and 5, 2023. The school is deeply integrated into the community, providing essential support to students and their families. Pupils demonstrate a strong desire to attend this nurturing environment, which fosters both academic and social development. The school is committed to ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive a high-quality education.
The atmosphere at Willington Primary is characterized by pride and respect among pupils, who benefit from positive relationships with staff. This supportive environment contributes to students feeling happy, safe, and secure. Pupils are taught the values of fairness, equality, and diversity, with older students taking on leadership roles to assist younger peers, reinforcing the school's caring ethos. Behaviour is generally good, with pupils aware of the potential for bullying and confident that staff will intervene effectively if issues arise.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and develop their talents. Leadership opportunities are abundant, with students participating as sports leaders, school councillors, and in other roles that promote responsibility and citizenship. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, although there are areas for improvement, particularly in some foundation subjects where essential knowledge and vocabulary have not been clearly defined. The school is actively working to address these gaps.
In recent national assessments, the school faced challenges, with pupils not performing as well as expected. However, school leaders have responded promptly with targeted support for those needing to catch up. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and adapt their teaching based on pupils' understanding, ensuring that misconceptions are addressed. Reading is a priority, with effective phonics instruction in place, enabling pupils to read with increasing fluency and confidence. The school invests in high-quality reading materials, fostering a love for literature among older students.
Mathematics instruction is also robust, with teachers using various resources to clarify concepts and encourage the use of mathematical vocabulary. Regular opportunities for problem-solving help reinforce pupils' understanding. The early years curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation, but the learning environment requires better organization to enhance exploration and independence among children.
Leaders demonstrate a thorough understanding of the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support and are included in all school activities. Overall, pupils behave sensibly, and instances of poor behaviour are rare, with staff addressing any issues sensitively.
The school promotes awareness of the wider world, teaching pupils about local safety concerns and the importance of mental and physical health. Respect for diversity is emphasized, with pupils learning about different cultures and family structures. Governors are actively involved, supporting and challenging school leaders effectively. Staff express pride in their work environment, appreciating the support provided for their well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Willington Primary are effective, ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. However, the school recognizes the need for improvement in certain foundation subjects and the early years environment to better support the curriculum's ambitions. By addressing these areas, Willington Primary School aims to enhance its educational offerings and continue its commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience for all pupils.
