Wath Victoria Primary School, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 9 and 10, 2021. The school is well-regarded by pupils, who express positive sentiments about their experiences, often highlighting themes of friendship and learning. The variety of extracurricular clubs, including sports, baking, and computer coding, is appreciated by students, with many participating in these activities after school. The relationships between staff and pupils are notably strong, fostering a safe environment where students feel comfortable discussing any issues they may encounter. The leadership team maintains high expectations for all pupils, and the ambitious curriculum challenges students effectively.
Pupil behavior is commendable, guided by three golden rules: be ready, respectful, and safe. Older students demonstrate a mature understanding of respect and report that bullying is infrequent, with staff addressing any incidents promptly. Parents echo the positive feedback, with a significant majority recommending the school based on their experiences. The school’s commitment to teaching reading is evident, with a new phonics scheme being implemented effectively. All teaching staff have received training, resulting in a strong foundation in reading for pupils. Daily reading sessions are a staple, and younger students benefit from electronic reading materials, while older pupils engage with books at home, monitored through an app by their parents.
Mathematics instruction is also a strength, with students enjoying the challenges presented to them. They demonstrate a solid understanding of numerical concepts and can articulate various calculation methods. However, the curriculum for shape, space, and measures requires further development, as pupils show less confidence in this area. In history, students engage enthusiastically with the topics studied, although their knowledge can sometimes be superficial, particularly regarding the reasons behind historical events. The school is committed to inclusivity, providing additional resources for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
The leadership at Wath Victoria Primary School is effective, with governors demonstrating a thorough understanding of the school’s operations. The acting headteacher receives support from an experienced executive headteacher, ensuring continuity in leadership. Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling involved in curriculum changes and supported in their roles. The school has established a strong anti-bullying culture, recognized through awards, and staff report that pupil behavior reflects years of dedicated effort.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff undergo regular training and are well-informed about their responsibilities. The school provides comprehensive education on safety, including online risks, and the governing body oversees these efforts effectively.
To enhance its performance, the school must focus on ensuring that all pupils in Years 3 and 4 develop secure phonics knowledge and strengthen the curriculum in mathematics, particularly in shape, space, and measures. Additionally, the history curriculum requires clearer planning to deepen pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge. Leaders are aware of these areas for improvement and have plans in place to address them, ensuring that the school continues to provide a high-quality education for all its pupils.
