Wood End Primary School, located in Atherstone, Warwickshire, has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, moving from an inadequate rating to a good overall effectiveness. The inspection conducted in March 2019 highlighted the effective collaboration among leaders, governors, and the trust, which has led to enhancements in teaching, curriculum, and pupil behavior. The school environment is now described as calm and orderly, fostering hard work and good progress among pupils.
Academic standards have notably risen, with pupils at the end of key stage one achieving results in reading, writing, and mathematics that align with national figures, preparing them well for key stage two. In key stage two, the quality of work from current pupils is also improving, with most working at age-related expectations. Pupils express enjoyment in their learning experiences, although there is a noted need for better attention to spelling.
The leadership at Wood End Primary is strong, with the executive headteacher earning the trust of parents and uniting the staff team. There is a clear focus on raising expectations and developing leadership skills among staff. The nursery and reception classes provide a solid foundation for children, particularly through well-structured phonics teaching that supports their reading and writing development.
Pupil behavior is generally good, with most adhering to the school's fair rules. Staff effectively manage any instances of rough or rude behavior, ensuring a respectful classroom atmosphere. However, the teaching of mathematics is less consistent compared to reading and writing, with some classes demonstrating better resources and instruction than others. There are instances where excessive instructions can confuse pupils, limiting their ability to engage fully with tasks.
The school has effective systems in place for safeguarding, with staff acting promptly on any welfare concerns. While most pupils attend regularly, a small number miss school without valid reasons, which affects their learning progress. Parents have expressed positive views about the school, appreciating the opportunities to engage with school life and their children's learning.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance teaching quality by ensuring that all staff provide appropriate resources, clarify instructions, and maintain consistent expectations for spelling. Additionally, efforts will be made to improve pupil attendance and reduce incidents of inappropriate behavior on the playground. Leadership capacity will be strengthened through more training and collaboration with leaders from other schools.
The governance of the school is effective, with the local governing body maintaining close contact with the school and being well-informed about its operations. The oversight of the pupil premium is also effective, with additional activities provided to support disadvantaged pupils. The school’s curriculum is broad and includes a strong focus on personal development, teaching pupils about respect, empathy, and social responsibility.
Overall, Wood End Primary School has made commendable strides in improving its educational offerings and creating a positive environment for learning. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, with a clear plan in place to address areas needing further development. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and continue fostering an environment where all pupils can thrive academically and personally.
