West Walton Community Primary School, located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in November 2019. The school is well-regarded by pupils, parents, and staff, who appreciate the supportive and fair environment fostered by the staff. Pupils express that they feel safe and valued, with adults actively ensuring their well-being. The school emphasizes high expectations for all students, integrating its core values into daily activities and interactions. The three key rules of the school—making the right choices, showing respect, and being kind—are consistently practiced by nearly all pupils, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
The school has a proactive approach to bullying, with incidents being rare and addressed promptly when they occur. While most pupils exhibit good behavior, there are some variations across different classes. The overall environment is described as calm and purposeful, which supports effective learning. Pupils also enjoy participating in various extracurricular activities, including sports, crafts, and animal care, which enrich their school experience.
Leadership at West Walton is characterized by high expectations and a commitment to maintaining educational quality. Since the last inspection, leaders have focused on providing high-quality training for staff while being mindful of their workload. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of teamwork among staff, who share responsibility for the school's development. The governing body plays an active role in ensuring that the school's vision for improvement is upheld.
The teaching of reading is a strong point at the school, with a curriculum designed to enhance pupils' vocabulary and comprehension. Teachers select books that align with the phonics taught, enabling pupils to develop their reading skills effectively. Additionally, older pupils take pride in mentoring younger students, further promoting a culture of support and learning.
In mathematics, leaders have successfully implemented a new curriculum that builds on pupils' skills year after year. Teachers are well-prepared and utilize effective resources to help pupils grasp mathematical concepts. In science, the curriculum is logically structured, allowing pupils to develop their knowledge systematically. However, there are areas, such as personal, social, health, and economic education, where the curriculum could benefit from more organization and planning.
Pupils enjoy their lessons and find them engaging, with opportunities to learn practical skills like animal care and environmental stewardship. Educational trips, such as a recent visit to France, provide additional enriching experiences. Despite the positive environment, there is still work to be done to ensure that all pupils demonstrate kindness and respect towards one another consistently.
The school effectively meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all students receive the support they require. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The school maintains a vigilant approach to ensuring the safety of its pupils, both in and out of school.
To continue improving, leaders are focused on refining the curriculum in subjects like personal, social, health, and economic education, ensuring it is coherent and well-sequenced. Additionally, there is an ongoing effort to enhance pupils' social skills to promote a more inclusive and respectful school culture. Overall, West Walton Community Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
