Witherley Church of England Primary School, located in Atherstone, Warwickshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 16, 2022. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community where pupils feel valued and supported. Students express that it is a great place to learn, highlighting the positive relationships they have with both their peers and teachers. The environment is described as safe and welcoming, contributing to a conducive learning atmosphere.
Pupils report that staff genuinely care about their well-being and academic success. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff are quick to address the issues effectively. The school promotes good behavior, and pupils are engaged during lessons, with minimal distractions. The curriculum is designed to be interesting, which helps maintain high levels of engagement and cooperation among students. During breaks, pupils play happily together, demonstrating their ability to work collaboratively and respectfully.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs and educational trips, which enhance the learning experience. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being members of the school council or worship leaders, fostering a sense of ownership and leadership within the school community.
The school’s vision, Let your light shine, aims to inspire all pupils to reach their full potential. Staff are well-informed about the learning needs of their students and work diligently to support them. A new curriculum approach has been implemented, with clear expectations for what pupils should learn and remember. Curriculum leaders are knowledgeable and have provided training to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum, particularly in English and mathematics. However, the monitoring of the curriculum's effectiveness in other subjects is still in the early stages.
Assessment practices are in place to ensure that pupils understand and retain what they are taught. Teachers reinforce prior knowledge, enabling pupils to apply what they have learned to more complex tasks. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with phonics instruction beginning in the Reception Year. Daily phonics sessions help pupils develop their reading skills, although there are instances where reading materials do not align with their phonetic knowledge, affecting fluency.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, allowing for progressive complexity in learning. Teachers ensure that pupils grasp concepts before moving on, and students report enjoying the challenges presented in their mathematics lessons. The school is committed to inclusivity, providing additional support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, enabling them to catch up quickly.
Behavior expectations are clearly communicated, and systems are in place to reward good conduct. The school promotes a positive environment where pupils are recognized for their achievements. Leaders are dedicated to broadening pupils' understanding of the diverse society in which they live, although there is room for improvement in teaching fundamental British values.
Governors are actively involved and knowledgeable about the school, working collaboratively with staff to enhance the educational experience. They prioritize making informed decisions that benefit the school community. The commitment to staff well-being and workload management is evident, contributing to a positive working environment.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential concerns. The curriculum includes components that teach pupils how to stay safe. Overall, Witherley Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience, with clear areas identified for further improvement, particularly in the implementation of the phonics program and monitoring of the curriculum across all subjects.
