Wickham Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school, demonstrating a strong commitment to the well-being and education of its pupils. The school fosters an environment characterized by love, courage, and respect, which contributes to a warm and friendly atmosphere. Pupils express a high level of satisfaction with their school experience, feeling safe and supported. The dedication of the staff is evident in their personalized approach to education, ensuring that each pupil is treated as an individual with unique qualities. This commitment to understanding and nurturing each child's needs has resulted in a positive school culture where pupils are actively engaged in their learning.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including clubs that focus on environmental initiatives, which pupils enthusiastically participate in. The personal, social, health, and economic education program equips students with essential knowledge about various topics that will impact their lives. Behavior among pupils is commendable, with a culture of kindness and thoughtfulness prevailing. While disagreements may occur, pupils are taught to resolve conflicts amicably, and incidents of bullying are reported to be rare. The confidence pupils have in their teachers and support staff reinforces the supportive environment of the school.
Leadership at Wickham has undergone significant changes, with a new headteacher taking charge in January 2020. This leadership transition has brought about a renewed focus on improving various aspects of the school. Parents have noted the positive changes, with many expressing satisfaction with the support their children receive from teachers and staff. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to explore a variety of subjects and develop their knowledge progressively from early years through to Year 6. The early years program is particularly effective, providing engaging learning experiences that prepare children for future academic challenges.
In core subjects such as reading, English, and mathematics, staff effectively assess pupils' understanding before introducing new concepts. However, there is room for improvement in how assessment information is utilized in other subjects, as some pupils may advance without fully grasping foundational knowledge. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with a well-stocked library and a new phonics program that has been successfully implemented. This initiative has led to improved reading skills among pupils, including those who may struggle with literacy.
Wickham Church of England Primary School is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive appropriate support tailored to their individual requirements. The school’s special educational needs coordinator plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing the needs of these pupils, collaborating effectively with external professionals when necessary.
Staff members maintain high expectations for both learning and behavior, supported by a clear behavior management system. This clarity helps pupils understand what is expected of them, contributing to a positive learning environment. The school is aware of the need for ongoing development, particularly in how subject leaders monitor curriculum implementation to enhance educational quality further.
The safeguarding measures in place are robust, ensuring that pupils feel secure and supported. Staff training is regular and thorough, enabling staff to recognize when a pupil may need assistance. While the school maintains records of training, there is an acknowledgment that these could be further strengthened.
Overall, Wickham Church of England Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with a clear path for ongoing improvement in various areas. The commitment of the leadership, staff, and community to the success and well-being of every pupil is evident and commendable.
