Walton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School in Somerset was inspected on 18 and 19 October 2023, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a proud history, having been last inspected 12 years ago when it was rated outstanding. The current inspection reflects the school’s commitment to providing a quality education while adapting to changes in the educational landscape since the last inspection.
Pupils at Walton Primary School demonstrate pride in their school and show care for one another. Older students take on mentorship roles, supporting younger pupils as buddies during lunch and helping to resolve conflicts with the guidance of staff. The school emphasizes the well-being of its students, integrating this focus into its culture through events like a school fair that promotes well-being. Pupils are encouraged to express their feelings and take on leadership roles, such as house captains and members of the arts council, which fosters a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including clubs for chess, cookery, and sports, as well as opportunities for boys and girls to participate in football fixtures against other schools. Events like arts week engage students in learning about various industries and significant figures in design. Additionally, the school prioritizes teaching pupils about safety, both online and in their communities, ensuring they understand how to manage online interactions responsibly.
The curriculum at Walton Primary is broad and ambitious, with adaptations made for mixed-age classes. In most subjects, the curriculum is well-structured, particularly in mathematics, where pupils develop their skills in a logical sequence. However, there are areas, such as writing, where the sequencing of grammatical knowledge could be improved. The school has not fully clarified the vocabulary that pupils need to learn, which can hinder their understanding in some subjects. In the early years, children begin learning numeracy and literacy right away, with activities tailored to their interests.
Teachers are diligent in assessing pupils’ understanding and addressing misconceptions promptly. Most pupils are aware of their next steps for improvement, although some aspects of the early years curriculum are still being embedded, which may affect the precision of adaptations. The school is actively working on these areas to enhance the learning experience.
The school provides tailored training for teachers to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that the curriculum is adapted effectively. The reading program is well-established, with teachers trained to provide the necessary support for pupils to keep pace with their peers. Pupils are matched with reading materials that align with their phonetic knowledge, and teachers focus on developing their speech and pronunciation.
Pupils exhibit calm and focused behavior in classrooms and during activities. They respond positively to learning expectations and celebrate their achievements through school assemblies. Attendance is monitored closely, and the school works to address any barriers to attendance, resulting in high levels of student participation.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-planned, beginning in the early years and covering a range of relevant topics. Pupils learn about health, respect for differences, and democratic principles through various activities. The governing body supports school leaders and staff, fostering a positive working environment. Parents express enthusiasm for the school, which promotes a nurturing culture that helps pupils build confidence in various activities, including music.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. To improve further, the school needs to clarify the precise content of the curriculum and ensure that the early years curriculum is fully implemented to meet the needs of all children effectively.
