Warmington School, located in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, has recently undergone an inspection on October 3 and 4, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is characterized by a small and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and supported. They express enjoyment in their learning experiences, noting that teachers are kind and lessons are engaging. The school fosters a culture of high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, encouraging them to achieve their best and aspire to various career paths.
Pupils demonstrate good behaviour and are familiar with the school’s rules and rewards system. They take pride in celebrating their achievements during weekly assemblies, which reinforces the importance of kindness and respect for others. The school promotes strong friendships among students, making it easy for them to connect with one another. Additionally, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as football, choir, Latin, dance, and music clubs, which help students explore their interests and talents.
Parents and carers express pride in their children's attendance at Warmington School, highlighting its nurturing and supportive atmosphere. The school has made significant efforts to ensure that pupils achieve well by developing an ambitious curriculum tailored to meet the needs of all students. While the curriculum is well-defined in most subjects, there are a few foundation subjects where clarity regarding what pupils will learn and when is still being established. The school has recognized this and is actively working on improvements.
Teachers at Warmington School are knowledgeable and consistently apply effective teaching strategies. They emphasize the importance of recapping previous learning and clearly explaining new concepts. However, the use of assessments to gauge pupils' understanding varies across subjects. In areas where assessment practices are strong, teachers effectively use the information to enhance learning and address misconceptions. The school is focused on improving assessment methods in foundation subjects to ensure all pupils develop a secure understanding of the material.
The provision for pupils with special educational needs is a notable strength of the school. The staff quickly identify the needs of these pupils and provide appropriate support to help them achieve their potential. Reading is prioritized, with children starting to learn phonics as soon as they enter the school. Staff receive training to teach phonics effectively, and additional support is provided for pupils who may struggle with reading.
In the early years, children benefit from nurturing relationships and an environment that encourages exploration and independent learning. The setting is rich in vocabulary, supporting the development of reading and writing skills. Children are well-prepared for learning and demonstrate respect for one another and adults.
Overall, the school enriches its curriculum with a focus on inclusive sports and opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities. Staff express satisfaction with their work environment, describing it as a supportive community. The school demonstrates a good understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that the right balance of challenge and support is maintained for ongoing development. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all pupils.
