Wynndale Primary School, located in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 1 and 2, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express enjoyment in attending and feel a strong sense of belonging, often describing it as a second home. The school culture emphasizes high expectations for behavior, encapsulated in the ‘Wynndale Way,’ which encourages pupils to be ready, respectful, safe, and kind. This framework contributes to a calm and engaging atmosphere during playtimes and lessons, allowing pupils to focus on their learning without distractions from poor behavior. Teachers are proactive in addressing any issues, including bullying, ensuring that pupils feel supported.
The leadership at Wynndale Primary School is ambitious for all students, providing exceptional pastoral care. Pupils facing challenges that may hinder their learning receive additional support, and the school has effective systems in place, such as the ‘worry monster’ and ‘time to talk’ box, to help pupils voice their concerns. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school, noting the positive changes implemented by the leadership team. Staff members also appreciate the strong leadership and the support they receive in their roles.
The school has made significant strides in developing a broad and balanced curriculum. Leaders have outlined clear curriculum plans detailing what pupils should learn from early years through Year 6. While many subjects have undergone reviews to ensure connections with prior learning are explicit, some subjects still require further development. The school has effectively utilized the skills and interests of its staff to create subject specialists and has provided training to enhance their expertise. Assessment systems are well established in English and mathematics, although there is a need for further development in the foundation subjects.
Reading instruction is a strong point at Wynndale, with a focus on instilling a love of reading from the first day of school. Daily reading sessions expose pupils to a variety of engaging texts, and phonics teaching is effectively delivered, ensuring pupils can read accurately. The mathematics curriculum is also well-structured, with teachers breaking down concepts into manageable steps and providing regular practice to build confidence.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support, allowing them to access the same knowledge as their peers. The school offers a wealth of enriching experiences, including leadership opportunities for Year 6 pupils and a school council that encourages student involvement in decision-making and fundraising activities.
Safeguarding measures at Wynndale Primary School are robust, with leaders and staff well-trained in their responsibilities. Concerns about pupil welfare are promptly addressed, and strong pastoral support is evident throughout the school. The school prioritizes the well-being of its pupils, ensuring they are listened to and supported in overcoming challenges.
To further improve, the school should establish a consistent approach to assessing learning in foundation subjects, enabling teachers to systematically check pupils' retention of knowledge. Additionally, completing the reviews of curriculum plans across all subjects will maximize pupils' learning opportunities. Overall, Wynndale Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its pupils.
