Walcott Primary School, located in Lincolnshire, underwent an inspection on June 27 and 28, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and feel welcomed by the community. Attendance has improved, and students understand the importance of being present every day. Parents appreciate the support provided by school leaders to enhance attendance. Teachers are viewed as firm yet fair, and pupils respect one another and their school resources. The school environment is calm, allowing students to focus on their learning. Bullying is infrequent, and pupils feel confident that their teachers will address any issues promptly. Students take pride in leadership roles, such as sports leaders, and contribute positively to the school community.
Leaders are knowledgeable about their pupils but need to improve the recording and follow-up of welfare concerns, particularly for vulnerable students. Reading is prioritized, with staff trained to support pupils in developing their reading skills. The phonics program is effectively implemented, and pupils receive daily reading opportunities. The curriculum is well-structured and planned, but there are areas where assessment and understanding of pupil progress could be enhanced. Teachers sometimes do not check pupils' understanding thoroughly enough, leading to instances where work may be too easy.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have access to the full curriculum, but the support provided in the classroom is not always tailored to their needs, which can hinder their progress. The school fosters a positive learning environment, encouraging enthusiasm and curiosity among pupils. The curriculum extends beyond academics, addressing health, relationships, and respect for diversity. Pupils participate in sports clubs and express a desire for more creative extracurricular opportunities.
Leaders are committed to ongoing improvements and have implemented a new assessment system. However, the use of this system to inform teaching and learning needs to be more consistent. Staff well-being is prioritized, and they feel valued and supported through high-quality training. The governing body is aware of its responsibilities, but some members are new to their roles and may require additional support in safeguarding practices.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders identifying at-risk pupils and providing necessary support. However, the recording of actions taken in response to safeguarding concerns needs to be more detailed to identify patterns in pupil behavior effectively. The curriculum teaches pupils about safety, including online safety, and they know how to report concerns.
To improve, leaders should ensure that all safeguarding actions and outcomes are clearly documented. Additionally, a more systematic approach to checking pupil learning is needed, with teachers using assessment information to inform future learning steps. Consistency in providing high-level support for pupils with special educational needs is also essential for their progress. Overall, Walcott Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
