Weston Lullingfields Church of England School, located in Shropshire, underwent an inspection on January 17 and 18, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education also marked as requiring improvement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The previous inspection in November 2019 had rated the school as good.
Pupils at Weston Lullingfields feel safe and happy, often describing the school as a small community where everyone is included and valued. The leadership has worked to develop a well-sequenced curriculum, although there is recognition that further work is needed to ensure effective delivery in the classroom. The school offers various opportunities for pupils, including participation in productions and safety events, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with a strong emphasis on kindness and consideration for one another. Instances of bullying are reported to be non-existent, and pupils are aware that staff are dedicated to their well-being. The school promotes healthy habits, such as engaging in physical activities like walking a daily mile, which contributes to the overall positive environment.
Pupils exhibit a solid understanding of safety and are encouraged to express their thoughts confidently. The values promoted within the school support personal development, instilling qualities such as perseverance and responsibility. Leaders are ambitious regarding pupil achievement and have a clear understanding of the school's priorities. The new headteacher, along with other leaders, is actively working on improvements, although some initiatives are still in the early stages of implementation.
While the curriculum is being enhanced across various subjects, there are areas where clarity is lacking regarding the delivery of the new curriculum. Some classroom activities do not sufficiently focus on essential knowledge, hindering pupil progress. Reading is prioritized, with pupils from early years to Year 6 reading frequently and developing confidence. The school's phonics teaching has improved, and most pupils become fluent readers by the time they enter key stage 2, enabling them to engage with the curriculum effectively.
In foundation subjects like history, there is a need for further development to ensure effectiveness comparable to core subjects. Teachers currently lack adequate methods to assess pupil learning in these areas, making it challenging to identify knowledge gaps. Leaders are committed to meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring timely support and collaboration with specialists when necessary.
Pupil behavior is characterized by friendliness and kindness, with staff modeling expected behaviors. The curriculum also emphasizes good behavior, helping pupils learn about friendship and emotional management. Personal development is prioritized, with opportunities for pupils to engage in community events and understand their role in contributing positively to both the school and the wider community.
Governors demonstrate a solid understanding of their roles and responsibilities, actively supporting the school's strategic vision. They focus on holding leaders accountable through well-structured action plans. Staff express satisfaction with their work environment, feeling supported and acknowledging that their workload is manageable.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to identify potential issues promptly. Leaders maintain comprehensive records and regularly review safeguarding practices. Pupils receive education on healthy relationships and safety, contributing to a strong safeguarding culture within the school. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, Weston Lullingfields Church of England School provides a supportive and nurturing environment for its pupils.
