Wombridge Primary School, located in Hartshill, Telford, Shropshire, underwent an inspection on November 8 and 9, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has maintained this standard since its previous inspection in May 2017. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
The school fosters a collaborative environment where pupils and staff work well together. Leaders promote a warm and caring ethos, ensuring that all pupils feel valued, respected, and included. Most pupils express enjoyment in attending school and feel safe within its environment. The school’s motto, LEAD, emphasizes learning, enjoyment, aspiration, and determination, which pupils embody in their interactions and eagerness to participate in lessons. They take pride in their work and appreciate the broad range of subjects offered.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior, contributing to a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They are polite and well-mannered, adhering to the school’s BUDDY rules, which aim to create an enjoyable experience for everyone. In instances of bullying, pupils are confident that staff will address issues promptly. The school encourages pupils to take on various responsibilities, such as safeguarding ambassadors and class ambassadors, fostering independence and confidence through these roles.
The headteacher has effectively led the school through significant changes, including the establishment of a new leadership team and the recruitment of new teachers. Leaders have focused on enhancing the curriculum, clearly outlining the essential knowledge pupils are expected to acquire in each subject. This structured approach allows pupils to learn in manageable steps, aiding their understanding and retention of information.
Teachers are skilled in delivering the curriculum, providing clear explanations and demonstrations that help pupils grasp new concepts. They design purposeful tasks that enable pupils to practice new skills, adapting these tasks to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Consequently, all pupils learn effectively in lessons.
While the curriculum positively impacts pupils' knowledge retention, there are still gaps in learning due to past weaknesses and the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Some pupils do not yet fully grasp the essential information expected of them. Teachers are aware of these gaps and are committed to helping pupils catch up. Leaders are beginning to assess the effectiveness of curriculum improvements, although this process is not fully developed in all subjects.
The school places a strong emphasis on fostering a love of reading. A new phonics teaching approach has been implemented, ensuring that children begin learning phonics and practicing reading from the start of Reception Year. Staff regularly assess pupils' progress and provide additional support as needed, reinforcing previously learned letter sounds to enhance reading skills.
Behavior management is consistent across the school, with pupils understanding and agreeing that the rules are fair. They strive to achieve the daily behavior target of being good to be green, contributing to a calm and focused learning environment. The pastoral team offers additional support to some pupils, promoting well-being and positive relationships.
Governors have played a supportive role during a period of significant change, assisting in staff restructuring and educational improvements. Most parents express positive views regarding the changes implemented at the school.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff being vigilant and responsive to pupils' needs. Leaders prioritize regular attendance and address persistent absences. Pupils are educated on identifying risks and staying safe, particularly regarding internet use.
To further improve, the school must ensure that pupils fully understand and remember key information in all subjects, enabling them to reach their potential. Leaders should continue refining the curriculum and enhance their methods for assessing its impact to identify areas of success and those needing improvement.
