Welshampton CofE Primary School, located in Shropshire, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on April 16 and 17, 2024, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where staff demonstrate a deep commitment to the well-being and academic success of their pupils. Strong relationships are quickly established between staff, pupils, and their families, contributing to a positive educational experience.
The school’s core values emphasize growth in strength, love, and wisdom, which guide its decision-making processes. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to engage pupils, fostering a desire to learn. Educational trips and experiences are thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum, enhancing the learning process. The quality of pupils' work is high, reflecting the school’s expectations. Feedback from parents, pupils, and staff is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the supportive atmosphere and the enthusiasm pupils exhibit towards their lessons and extracurricular activities.
Leadership at Welshampton is described as passionate and dedicated, with a focus on supporting staff and managing workloads effectively. The governing body collaborates with school leaders to assess the effectiveness of current practices and develop plans for improvement. Professional development opportunities are provided to staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum. The school has made strides in strengthening its foundation curriculum, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to an ambitious educational experience.
The curriculum is designed with clear objectives, linking current learning to future educational goals. In subjects such as English, reading, and mathematics, pupils are able to recall prior knowledge, which aids their understanding of new concepts. However, some older pupils exhibit gaps in their knowledge, which can hinder their ability to meet the ambitious targets set by the new curriculum. The school recognizes this challenge and is working to address these gaps to support all pupils in achieving their potential.
In the early years, children adapt quickly to the school environment, with lessons focused on developing essential skills in language, mathematics, and writing. Staff effectively encourage exploration and the use of new vocabulary, fostering a love for learning from a young age. The transition to key stage one is smooth, with children well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and adhere to the school’s guidelines for presenting information. Assessments are utilized effectively to monitor pupil progress, and those requiring additional support receive timely assistance. The school has established a comprehensive approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers.
Reading is a priority at Welshampton, with early assessments in place to identify and support pupils' reading development. A variety of high-quality texts are available for all year groups, promoting fluency and inspiring creative writing. The school fosters a calm and orderly environment, where positive behavior is recognized and celebrated.
Pupils are engaged in learning about diverse cultures and faiths, contributing to their understanding of equality and inclusion. Enrichment activities, including sports competitions and community events, are integral to the school’s culture, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among pupils.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Staff are trained to identify and address concerns promptly, although the organization of pre-employment checks requires improvement for easier access.
Overall, Welshampton CofE Primary School is making significant progress in providing a high-quality education, with a strong focus on pupil well-being and academic achievement. The school is committed to addressing areas for improvement to ensure all pupils can thrive in their educational journey.
