Whittingham Church of England Primary School is a small primary school located in Whittingham, Northumberland. The school has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection in March 2023. The school is known for its strong community ties, and the small size allows staff to develop close relationships with pupils. This environment fosters a sense of safety and trust among students, who feel comfortable approaching adults with any concerns. The atmosphere is described as welcoming and friendly, contributing to a positive learning experience.
Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, particularly regarding the support provided for children with special educational needs and disabilities. They appreciate the progress their children make and the enthusiasm for learning that is evident in classrooms. Teachers maintain high expectations, which is reflected in the good behavior of pupils both in lessons and throughout the school. The curriculum is designed to engage students, and they benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities that broaden their experiences and interests.
While most pupils enjoy their time at school, there are mixed views regarding bullying. A small number of pupils feel that bullying occurs and that it is not always addressed promptly. However, school leaders are committed to listening to pupils' concerns and improving their responses to such issues.
The school has made significant strides in ensuring that the curriculum is ambitious and well-structured. Leaders have identified key knowledge that they want pupils to learn in various subjects, although there are areas where this could be more precisely defined. For instance, in mathematics, recent revisions to the curriculum have made it more engaging for pupils, who report enjoying the new approach. In early years, children demonstrate strong mathematical skills, such as identifying numbers and performing simple addition.
In physical education, pupils develop essential skills through structured coaching, which fosters a sense of achievement. However, in subjects like geography and history, there is a need for clearer identification of the knowledge and skills that pupils should acquire. While pupils engage in suitable work, they do not always make connections between different areas of knowledge.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive. Reading is a priority, with a language-rich curriculum that helps children develop vocabulary and listening skills from an early age. Phonics instruction begins in Nursery, and staff consistently implement effective strategies to support pupils' reading development.
The school organizes trips and activities that are closely linked to the curriculum, enhancing learning experiences. Leaders are aware of the limited exposure to diversity in the rural area and have developed a personal development curriculum to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. This includes fostering understanding of tolerance and respect, with older pupils taking responsibility for younger ones through a buddy system.
Staff express satisfaction with the support they receive from school leaders and governors, feeling valued and appreciated for their contributions. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns promptly. Pupils are educated about online safety and know to seek help from trusted adults when needed.
Overall, Whittingham Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on community, support, and personal development. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum to ensure that all subjects have clearly defined knowledge and skills for pupils to learn and revisit as they progress.
