Weston-under-Penyard C of E Primary School, located in Herefordshire, received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on May 4 and 5, 2022, and the school has maintained this grade since its previous inspection in January 2019. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at the school express enjoyment in attending and feel safe, noting that teachers genuinely care for them. Parents echo this sentiment, describing the school as a family-like environment. The school offers a variety of clubs and activities, including visits to the nearby Wye Valley, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. Relationships among pupils and staff are characterized by care and respect, and instances of bullying are reported to be infrequent, with staff effectively addressing any issues that arise.
The leadership team is committed to ensuring that every pupil achieves their best. This commitment is evident from the nursery level, where leaders proactively address barriers to learning. Pupils appreciate the challenging nature of their lessons, which they describe as hard in a good way. They demonstrate an understanding of how to retain new information, referring to strategies that help them overcome the forgetting curve.
Behavior in the school is commendable, with pupils displaying politeness and courtesy. They engage in discussions about rights and responsibilities, including those of the school dog, Meg. Inclusion is prioritized, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are fully integrated into school life.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with leaders aiming to prepare pupils for future challenges. While most subjects effectively utilize retrieval activities to reinforce learning, some areas lack clarity in identifying essential knowledge for pupils to retain. This can lead to less focused retrieval activities, and teachers may not always leverage assessment information to inform future learning effectively.
Early reading instruction is a strength of the school, with nursery teachers fostering a love for stories and rhymes. Children learn foundational skills that prepare them for reading as they transition to Reception Year. The approach to teaching reading continues through Key Stage 1, with regular assessments and timely interventions ensuring that pupils develop strong reading abilities.
Some subject leaders are new to their roles but have quickly identified areas for improvement. For instance, in mathematics, pupils now have opportunities to apply their knowledge to various problems. Pupils take pride in their work and enjoy being involved in decision-making processes, such as selecting books for study topics.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Some curriculum plans do not clearly outline the essential knowledge expected of pupils, which can hinder the effectiveness of learning activities. Additionally, pupils' understanding of fundamental British values needs further development to ensure they are well-prepared for life in modern Britain. The nursery facilities also present challenges, as limited space can restrict children's access to outdoor activities during free play.
Overall, Weston-under-Penyard C of E Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
