Welton Primary School, located in Brough, received a positive inspection report, reflecting its overall effectiveness as good. The school emphasizes a warm and caring environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Leaders prioritize the social, emotional, and mental well-being of students, fostering positive and respectful relationships between staff and pupils. The school day begins with a friendly greeting, reinforcing a supportive atmosphere. Pupils generally exhibit good behavior, both in classrooms and during playtime, with minimal instances of bullying. When conflicts arise, pupils trust that staff will address issues promptly. Some students serve as peer mentors, helping to resolve minor disagreements, which they take pride in.
The curriculum has seen significant improvements, with leaders focusing on creating engaging and relevant learning experiences. Staff demonstrate high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The teaching of early reading and mathematics is particularly strong, with clear plans for ongoing curriculum enhancement in other subjects. However, there is a need for further adaptation of lessons to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, ensuring equitable access to learning.
The school offers a broad range of extracurricular opportunities that contribute to pupils' personal development. Various clubs are available, and leaders carefully plan visits and guest speakers to enrich the learning experience. Since the last inspection, leaders have worked diligently to develop a curriculum that captivates pupils' interests, encouraging subject leaders to engage in research to enhance learning outcomes. While some subjects have clearly defined knowledge goals, others require further development to ensure a cohesive learning journey from early years through to Year Six.
Teachers are becoming more confident in designing lessons that challenge and engage pupils, including those with special educational needs. In some instances, teachers effectively check for understanding and address misconceptions. However, there are occasions when tasks assigned to pupils do not align with their individual capabilities, leading to difficulties in maintaining focus, particularly for those with special educational needs.
Reading instruction has improved significantly, with pupils engaging with challenging texts during dedicated reading lessons. Teachers have received training to enhance their reading instruction skills, employing expressive reading techniques. Pupils participate in choral and echo reading sessions, which they enjoy, and there are ongoing efforts to encourage reading at home.
Mathematics teaching is clear and effective, with a well-structured curriculum that builds on prior knowledge. Pupils demonstrate enjoyment in mathematics lessons, recalling previous learning to support new concepts. Early years education is robust, with children receiving focused instruction in small groups, promoting social interaction and language development. Staff are skilled in creating engaging learning opportunities, although there is recognition of the need for more independence and risk-taking as children progress through Reception.
Governance has seen changes since the last inspection, with new governors eager to drive improvement. However, they tend to accept information from leaders without sufficient scrutiny, which may hinder their awareness of areas needing attention, such as safeguarding and attendance. Staff report feeling supported by leaders, although concerns about workload persist. Parents express satisfaction with their children's safety and happiness but desire improved communication regarding learning and school events.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders emphasizing the importance of pupil safety. Staff receive regular training and updates on safeguarding issues, and there are clear procedures for reporting concerns. However, record-keeping could be more rigorous to ensure effective information sharing. Pupils are knowledgeable about online safety and appreciate the support systems in place for sharing concerns. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in curriculum planning, assessment practices, and governance oversight.
