Walsden St Peter’s CE VC Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 11 and 12 October 2023. The school provides a welcoming environment that emphasizes resilience, inquisitiveness, and care among its pupils. This focus fosters positive relationships between students and staff, contributing to a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, both personally and academically, ensuring that they receive the emotional and educational support necessary for their success. The presence of dedicated mental health and family liaison staff is particularly beneficial for vulnerable pupils and their families.
Pupils at Walsden St Peter’s feel safe and are knowledgeable about maintaining their safety, including online. They demonstrate respect and tolerance towards one another, resulting in positive behavior throughout the school. The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school council or acting as buddies for younger students. A variety of clubs, particularly in sports, are available to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The curriculum at Walsden St Peter’s is ambitious and well-organized in most subjects, allowing pupils, including those with special educational needs, to learn effectively. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like design technology, physical education, and history, where the school has not clearly defined the specific knowledge pupils should acquire. Additionally, pupils do not revisit their learning as frequently as necessary, which hinders their ability to retain information and achieve their full potential in these subjects.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a well-structured early reading program in place. Staff are well-trained to deliver this program effectively, ensuring that pupils read books suited to their developmental stage. Close monitoring of pupils’ progress allows for timely interventions when needed, helping those who may fall behind to catch up quickly. The school provides a rich selection of fiction and non-fiction reading materials, and pupils enjoy daily story times that enhance their reading fluency and confidence.
Teachers generally exhibit strong subject knowledge and plan activities that align with the school’s long-term learning goals. However, there are instances where assessment strategies are not utilized effectively during lessons, leading to some misconceptions going unaddressed. This can result in certain pupils, including those with special educational needs, not achieving their full potential.
The school implements a personal development program that teaches essential knowledge, such as healthy relationships, and fosters pupils’ confidence and resilience. High-quality pastoral care is provided to support pupils’ well-being, and the school is actively enhancing outdoor learning opportunities to further contribute to pupils’ mental and physical health.
Walsden St Peter’s effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and works collaboratively with external agencies and families to provide appropriate support. This ensures that these pupils can access the same curriculum as their peers.
In the early years, children receive a positive introduction to the school environment, learning appropriate behavior and demonstrating consideration for one another. They engage in varied learning experiences and show sustained concentration during activities.
While the school has a good understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement, subject leadership is not consistently developed across all subjects. This variability affects the school’s ability to identify specific changes needed to enhance the curriculum further. The school supports staff in managing their workload and well-being, fostering a culture of high expectations and mutual support.
The safeguarding arrangements at Walsden St Peter’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, the school continues to provide a good education, with clear areas identified for further development to enhance the learning experience for all students.
