Following the short inspection of Wantage Church of England Primary School on 2 July 2019, it has been confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good standard of education. The leadership team, under the headship of Mr. Andrew Browne, has effectively sustained the quality of education since the last inspection in June 2015. Mr. Browne, appointed in September 2018, has quickly developed a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. The leadership team is ambitious for the pupils and has high expectations for their achievements. With support from the Vale Academy Trust, they have implemented successful strategies to enhance teaching and learning, resulting in good progress for pupils from their starting points. In 2018, the percentage of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics at the end of key stage two was above the national average.
The governing body shares the leadership's ambition and vision for the school’s future, providing a balanced mix of support and challenge. They actively monitor the impact of additional funding on pupil outcomes and have a solid understanding of the school’s strengths and improvement priorities. Previous inspection recommendations to raise attainment in writing and ensure challenging work for all pupils have been successfully addressed. The proportion of pupils achieving greater depth in writing has increased over the past three years, aligning with national averages.
The school has fostered a calm and purposeful learning environment, particularly in the early years, where children engage in a variety of well-planned activities. Most pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, demonstrating high levels of concentration and commitment. However, there are instances where some pupils lose interest and go off task, which can slow their learning.
Efforts to improve parental confidence and involvement in the school have been effective, with many parents noting improvements in communication and the overall school environment. While some parents still express concerns, the majority appreciate the dedication of the staff to their children’s progress. Pupils report that the school is a friendly place, and they feel supported by adults in resolving any issues, including bullying, which is generally addressed promptly.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance ensuring pupil safety and well-being. Staff receive thorough training on safeguarding responsibilities, and the designated safeguarding team collaborates closely with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils. The school’s safeguarding records are detailed, and plans are in place to enhance record-keeping efficiency.
The inspection focused on how effectively the most able pupils are challenged in writing, the quality of provision for disadvantaged pupils, and the teaching of mathematics in key stage two. The school has provided effective training to improve English teaching, ensuring that pupil progress is carefully tracked. The most able pupils are engaged in sessions that deepen their understanding and application of complex language, leading to strong progress in writing. Disadvantaged pupils also receive targeted support, resulting in significant progress and a closing attainment gap.
In mathematics, a consistent teaching approach has been established, allowing pupils to practice and apply their skills effectively. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and address misconceptions promptly, contributing to good progress in mathematics. The school is encouraged to continue developing teaching quality and improving pupil behavior for learning to ensure all pupils consistently present their work neatly.
