Willersey Church of England Primary School, located in Worcestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 7, 2022. The school fosters a close-knit community where pupils and staff interact positively, creating a family-like atmosphere. This supportive environment encourages pupils to feel safe and happy, which in turn motivates them to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. The school emphasizes values such as courage, compassion, friendship, truth, respect, and creativity, which are reflected in the behavior of the pupils. Instances of bullying are rare, and when conflicts arise, staff are proactive in helping students resolve their issues.
Despite its small size limiting the number of extracurricular activities, the school compensates by integrating enriching experiences into the daily curriculum. Activities such as singing, dancing, and sports competitions are incorporated into lessons and lunchtimes, enhancing the overall educational experience. The school has established a culture of good behavior, with older pupils taking on significant responsibility for their actions. Younger pupils are still learning to manage their enthusiasm, but they are guided effectively by staff.
The leadership team is actively working to improve the curriculum, which is a continuous process. They are focused on embedding high-quality educational practices and seek external advice to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of all pupils. This approach has led to a gradual enhancement of the already good quality of education. Teachers are adept at tailoring lesson content to suit the varying needs of mixed-age classes, allowing for both reinforcement of foundational concepts and deeper exploration of subjects for advanced learners. Teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting this differentiated instruction.
Staff members are committed to understanding the individual needs of each pupil, which is particularly beneficial for those with special educational needs and disabilities. This personalized approach contributes to the overall success of all students. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively, ensuring that pupils develop a solid understanding of key concepts, particularly in subjects like mathematics and history. Most pupils achieve fluency in reading by age seven, although some could benefit from a more accelerated approach to phonics instruction. Recent changes to the phonics program aim to address this, and early indications suggest positive outcomes.
While pupils generally exhibit good behavior, some younger students may occasionally become unsettled during lessons due to their enthusiasm. However, the school is committed to helping them channel this energy appropriately. The leadership is well-regarded by staff, who feel supported and demonstrate high levels of commitment to the school’s mission. The governing body plays an active role in supporting the leadership team to maintain a high-quality educational experience.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with trained staff who are vigilant in identifying and addressing potential risks to pupils. The headteacher and designated safeguarding governor ensure that all staff are well-prepared to respond to safeguarding concerns. Overall, Willersey Church of England Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with ongoing efforts to enhance its curriculum and support for all pupils. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils achieve a solid grasp of grammar and spelling rules as outlined in the national curriculum.
