Wolsingham Primary School, located in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 12 and 13 October 2021. The school is well-regarded by pupils, who express enjoyment in attending and value the strong friendships they form with their classmates, often referring to them as friends for life. Parents and carers also speak positively about their children's experiences, particularly noting the support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included remote learning opportunities to ensure that pupils did not fall behind. The school maintains effective communication with parents through weekly newsletters, although some parents have requested more information on how to assist their children, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students demonstrating attentiveness during lessons and actively participating by raising their hands to contribute. The school fosters a sense of responsibility among pupils through various roles, such as the helping hands group and eco-warriors, who have successfully funded toilets in underdeveloped countries. Incidents of bullying are reported to be rare, and any occurrences are promptly addressed by staff.
School leaders have a clear understanding of the needs of their pupils and the community, carefully selecting the knowledge and skills that students need to acquire. The curriculum is designed to build on prior knowledge, with a focus on resilience and social awareness. For instance, history lessons are sequenced to help pupils develop a strong understanding of chronology. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects that lack coherent planning and sequencing, which can lead to difficulties in retaining previously learned information.
Efforts are being made to enhance the teaching of early reading, with a strong emphasis on phonics from Nursery through to Reception. While most pupils are making good progress, some still struggle with reading fluency due to mismatched reading materials. The school has recently invested in new reading books to support its phonics program. In mathematics, pupils are well-prepared, with a solid foundation established in early years that continues to develop as they progress through the school. Staff training in problem-solving and reasoning is yielding positive results, enabling pupils to articulate their thought processes effectively.
Pupils with special educational needs are quickly identified and receive the necessary support, with governors actively monitoring their progress. The school collaborates with external organizations to enhance the learning experience for all pupils. However, the restrictions imposed by the pandemic have limited the wider curriculum opportunities available, and the school is eager to resume after-school clubs and community projects.
Wolsingham Primary School is committed to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain, promoting respect for diverse faiths and cultures. The school has implemented a program to develop fundamental British values and is working towards the Pride and Inclusion Award. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff receiving regular training and clear reporting systems in place. The curriculum also addresses online safety, ensuring pupils are well-informed.
To further improve, the school should ensure that reading materials align closely with pupils' phonics knowledge and enhance the sequencing of knowledge in foundation subjects. Additionally, improving communication with parents will help them better support their children's learning. Overall, Wolsingham Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
