Walton-le-Dale, St Leonard’s Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 17-18, 2019. The school is characterized by a strong Christian ethos that fosters a family-like atmosphere, making pupils feel safe and well cared for. Students express enjoyment in attending school, easily forming friendships and engaging in calm, supervised breaktimes. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with reports of good conduct and rare instances of bullying. The school encourages responsibility among its students, with older pupils taking on roles such as prefects, which aids in their preparation for future challenges.
In the classroom, pupils demonstrate a strong work ethic, responding positively to the high expectations set by staff. This includes support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all students are challenged appropriately. The curriculum is designed to provide a wealth of opportunities for academic and personal growth, with a focus on reading and mathematics. Teachers are well-trained in phonics instruction, and pupils who struggle receive effective support to help them catch up. The school promotes a love for reading, with pupils frequently visiting the library and engaging with a variety of books.
Mathematics instruction is particularly strong, with teachers feeling confident due to the training they have received. The school has invested in resources that cater to the diverse needs of pupils, fostering problem-solving skills and encouraging students to articulate their thought processes. Changes have been made to the teaching of foundation subjects, with a focus on building upon prior knowledge in subjects like history, geography, and art. This approach allows pupils to delve deeper into their learning and apply techniques from various artists to enhance their skills.
The Reception class emphasizes early mathematics, language, and communication skills, benefiting from a well-resourced environment that supports smooth transitions into school routines. Most children achieve a good level of development by the end of their early years. Attendance rates are high, and pupils are aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of others.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Leaders are encouraged to embed recent changes in the teaching of foundation subjects to ensure consistency in quality across the curriculum. Additionally, there is a need to enhance pupils' understanding of different faiths and cultures, linking this knowledge to British values. The school has made strides in considering staff workload, with new assessment systems reducing marking demands and allowing staff to focus on their well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with thorough checks in place to ensure the suitability of adults working with children. Staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse or neglect, and pupils are educated on internet safety and community awareness. Overall, Walton-le-Dale, St Leonard’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with a commitment to ongoing improvement and development for both pupils and staff.
