Walkington Primary School, located in Beverley, has been recognized for its good overall effectiveness following an inspection in June 2019. The leadership and management of the school are deemed good, with senior leaders demonstrating passion and commitment to maintaining high educational standards. The governing body plays an active role, providing both support and challenge to the school's leadership. While leaders have identified areas for improvement, there are instances where actions are not taken swiftly enough, and the impact of their initiatives is not always thoroughly evaluated.
In terms of teaching, learning, and assessment, the quality is also rated as good. Pupils are making good progress in reading, writing, and mathematics across all key stages. However, there are occasions when the work set by teachers does not fully meet the needs of all pupils, particularly the most able. Improvements in mathematics teaching have led to better problem-solving skills among pupils, yet there remains a need for further challenges for the most capable learners. By the end of Year 6, pupils achieve high outcomes in reading and writing, although some struggle with spelling due to insufficient application of phonics skills.
Pupils' personal development, behavior, and welfare are outstanding. The school environment is calm and orderly, fostering a positive atmosphere for learning. Pupils are polite, articulate, and respectful, demonstrating good behavior and a supportive attitude towards one another. The school effectively supports disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, ensuring they make good progress. However, achievement in subjects beyond English and mathematics is more variable, with leaders needing to ensure that pupils learn in sufficient depth and build on prior knowledge.
The early years provision is rated as good, with children settling quickly and developing independence. Staff provide a range of engaging activities that promote learning, although there are times when independent learners do not receive enough guidance. The school has established effective safeguarding procedures, ensuring that all staff are trained and aware of how to keep pupils safe.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance the quality of teaching by closely monitoring pupils' progress during lessons and ensuring that work is consistently well-matched to their needs. Additionally, leaders should focus on swift implementation of improvement priorities and develop the evaluative skills of subject leaders to enhance the quality of learning across all subjects. The school community, including parents, expresses strong support for the school, highlighting the positive experiences their children have. Overall, Walkington Primary School is a good school with a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on the well-being and development of its pupils.
