Ofsted conducted a short inspection of St Wilfrid’s CofE Primary School on 13 March 2019, following its previous judgment of good in December 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, including the headteacher, assistant headteacher, and governors, has shown determination and commitment to the school’s development. Staff collaborate effectively and share a clear vision for the school, which is encapsulated in its motto that emphasizes Christian values, excellence, potential, and creativity. This commitment is evident in the school’s approach to meeting the academic, social, spiritual, and emotional needs of its pupils.
Feedback from parents and carers was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with the school’s impact on their children’s education and development. Pupils at St Wilfrid’s are described as friendly, confident, and articulate, demonstrating good behavior throughout the school day, including during after-school activities. They show enthusiasm for learning and particularly enjoy the school’s music and sports programs, as well as educational trips. The school effectively prepares pupils for secondary education and later life, fostering positive relationships and teaching values such as respect and kindness.
The inspection noted improvements in boys’ writing standards, which now align with national averages. Teachers provide regular opportunities for writing across the curriculum, and the quality of writing in pupils’ books is generally good. However, the outdoor areas for early years children still require further development to ensure consistent progress in writing skills. The school’s strategic planning needs to be more detailed to enhance accountability for improving pupil outcomes.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff are well-trained and aware of their responsibilities regarding safeguarding concerns. The school actively collaborates with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils and regularly reviews its procedures to ensure safety improvements.
The inspection highlighted that while the quality of teaching in English and mathematics is strong, the same cannot be said for other subjects. Leaders are working to enhance the curriculum to better meet the needs of all pupils. Support for disadvantaged pupils is in place, with intervention groups and additional resources aimed at improving their academic performance. However, the evaluation of these plans needs to be more thorough to ensure consistent progress.
Next steps for the school include improving the strategic use of assessment information and enhancing the quality of school improvement planning. Leaders must ensure that strategies for developing writing in early years are effectively implemented and monitored. The school is encouraged to continue its efforts to strengthen teaching across all subjects to provide a well-rounded education for all pupils. Overall, St Wilfrid’s CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high standards and fostering an environment where pupils can thrive academically and socially.
