Welton St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 25 and 26, 2022. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and socially. Staff maintain high expectations for behavior and effort, resulting in exemplary conduct among students. Instances of bullying and low-level disruptions are rare, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere. Pupils express enjoyment in their school experience, feeling happy and safe, and they appreciate the responsibilities they hold in various roles such as house captains and play leaders.
The school emphasizes values of peace, harmony, and respect, which are well understood by the pupils. They have ample opportunities to explore their interests through various extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, a choir, and a gardening club. The school also fosters a strong connection with the local community, encouraging pupils to engage in activities such as food bank collections and visits to local historical sites. This involvement helps prepare students to become responsible citizens.
Parents and carers have overwhelmingly positive views about the school, highlighting significant progress in their children's development and the central role children play in the school's operations. The leadership team has crafted a well-structured curriculum that outlines clear learning objectives. In the early years, children learn about community helpers, which lays a foundation for more complex historical topics in later years. However, the full impact of the curriculum on pupil learning has yet to be assessed, as it has not been implemented for a complete academic year.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively communicate tasks to students. For instance, Year 5 pupils engage in learning about time, and teachers utilize visual aids to reinforce key concepts. The assessment approach is practical, with daily quick-fire questions in mathematics and end-of-unit tests to gauge pupil understanding and identify areas needing reinforcement.
The phonics and early reading instruction is a notable strength of the school, with staff receiving effective training to ensure consistent delivery of the phonics program. Reading materials are appropriately matched to the sounds pupils are learning, and regular assessments help identify those who may need additional support. The school promotes a love for reading, providing a diverse selection of books for pupils to choose from.
Personal development is a key focus, with pupils gaining a solid understanding of different faiths and the importance of mental and physical health. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is promptly identified, and effective strategies are in place to assist them in accessing the curriculum. However, support plans for these pupils require more precise details regarding the specific support provided and evaluation timelines.
The early years curriculum is well-planned, with engaging activities that promote essential skills. The learning environment is well-resourced, allowing children to thrive in a purposeful setting. Relationships between staff and pupils are positive, fostering a supportive atmosphere.
The governing body effectively holds school leaders accountable, although some staff feel their well-being and workload are not always prioritized. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize signs of abuse and maintain comprehensive records. The curriculum includes age-appropriate information on relationships, sex, and health education.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders should ensure that subject leaders have the necessary resources and training to evaluate the curriculum's impact fully. Additionally, support plans for pupils with SEND need to be more detailed to improve the support provided. Overall, Welton St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy continues to provide a high-quality education for its pupils.
