Wessington Primary School, located in Lanercost, Washington, Tyne and Wear, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 28 and 29, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy, friendly, and welcoming. They engage openly with visitors and exhibit curiosity, feeling comfortable and nurtured due to the strong relationships established between staff and students. The commitment of the well-trained staff to ensure pupil safety is evident, and parents share this sentiment. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support. Instances of bullying are rare, and both pupils and parents trust that any issues would be addressed promptly and effectively. Overall, the behavior and attitudes of pupils are commendable, although persistent absence rates are higher than the national average. The school leadership actively works to improve attendance.
Pupils take pride in being part of the school community, which promotes a sense of equality and fairness. They demonstrate empathy and positive attitudes towards one another. When asked about the best aspect of the school, a pupil highlighted that the teachers care about you, reflecting the supportive atmosphere cultivated within the school. The school excels in providing a language-rich environment that helps children settle into routines and expectations from their first days. The curriculum is designed to develop independence and resilience, particularly through regular forest school activities. The early years setting is well-equipped with age-appropriate resources that engage children effectively.
Reading is a significant focus at Wessington Primary School, with pupils showing enthusiasm for literature. The school emphasizes communication and language skills in the early years, preparing students for phonics instruction. The phonics teaching is consistent and effective, enabling pupils to become fluent readers. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and adhere to the school's phonics program, providing additional support for those who may struggle. The positive outcomes in reading reflect the long-term benefits of the school's approach.
The mathematics curriculum is also well-structured, allowing pupils to revisit prior learning frequently, which helps them build a solid foundation for new concepts. The school is actively working to provide more opportunities for pupils to deepen their understanding of mathematics, aiming to increase the number of students achieving higher standards by the end of Year 6. The provision for pupils with special educational needs is a notable strength, with staff understanding individual needs and ensuring access to an age-appropriate curriculum.
Recently, the school has introduced new curriculums in foundation subjects, which are comprehensive and well-planned, incorporating local heritage. However, as these curriculums are still in the early stages of implementation, it is too soon to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing pupils' knowledge acquisition. Leaders prioritize pupils' wider development, offering various responsibilities and opportunities for educational visits that enrich the curriculum.
Staff feel well-supported by school leaders, who are considerate of their workload and well-being. Governors are actively involved in the school, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further enhance the educational experience, the school should focus on fully implementing and embedding the recently revised foundation subject curriculums to ensure all pupils acquire the essential knowledge identified by leaders.
