Walton-on-the-Hill Primary School, located in Tadworth, Surrey, was inspected on 14 and 15 September 2021. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and early years provision were also rated as good, while leadership and management were deemed good as well. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school was last inspected 14 years ago, when it was rated outstanding under a previous framework.
Pupils at Walton-on-the-Hill Primary School express a strong enjoyment of their lessons, attributing this to the engaging teaching methods employed by their educators. They feel safe and supported, with parents highlighting the nurturing environment fostered by the school. The staff maintain high expectations for all students, encouraging them to persevere through challenges and to support one another in their learning endeavors. The curriculum is diverse and stimulating, with a wide range of activities that include music, sports, and drama, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
Behaviour among pupils is exemplary, characterized by courtesy and kindness. The school promotes the principles of being ready, respectful, and safe, which are well understood and practiced by the students. Instances of bullying are rare, and staff are proactive in addressing any concerns that arise. Parents appreciate the level of care provided by the staff, with many expressing confidence in the school's ability to support their children's growth and development.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. Leaders have high aspirations for their pupils and strive to cultivate a love of learning. However, there is a need for clearer specifications regarding the knowledge that pupils should acquire within each subject. Currently, the focus is more on skills rather than the essential knowledge required to support those skills. For example, in geography, while pupils practice using grid references, the specific knowledge necessary to develop those skills is not adequately emphasized. Additionally, the sequencing of curriculum content requires further refinement to ensure that knowledge builds effectively over time.
Teachers effectively utilize assessment to monitor pupil understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly. This includes providing additional support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring their full inclusion in lessons. Reading is prioritized within the school, with all pupils engaging in reading activities multiple times a day. The introduction of a new phonics program aims to align reading materials with the sounds being taught, resulting in nearly all pupils achieving fluency by the end of key stage one.
Pupils' personal development is intentionally planned, with opportunities for them to engage in discussions and community events that foster active citizenship. The headteacher and staff have cultivated a positive school culture, and there is a strong sense of pride among the staff regarding their work at the school. However, governors are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the curriculum to effectively challenge school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at Walton-on-the-Hill Primary School are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns. Leaders maintain strong systems to support families and are vigilant regarding local safeguarding risks. Overall, while the school has many commendable attributes, it is essential for leaders to continue refining their curriculum plans to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
