Walton Primary Academy, located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 10 and 11, 2022. The school fosters an environment where both staff and pupils are committed to progressing together, demonstrating mutual respect in their interactions. High expectations for behavior are set by the staff, who encourage pupils to make positive choices regarding their learning and conduct. This supportive atmosphere enables pupils to engage actively in their lessons, contributing to their overall academic success.
Pupils express a strong sense of safety within the school, feeling confident in reporting any concerns they may have. They trust the adults in the school to address any issues, including bullying, which they report as being rare. The strong relationships between staff and pupils have cultivated a sense of community, where pupils exhibit independence and resilience in their learning. They are encouraged to assist and guide one another, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
The curriculum at Walton Primary Academy is designed to be engaging and informative, with a focus on high-quality vocabulary across subjects. In mathematics, pupils receive robust support to develop a solid understanding of numbers. The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, striving to provide a diverse range of opportunities throughout their time at the school. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the knowledge to be taught in some wider curriculum subjects is clearly defined.
Pupils demonstrate commendable behavior in lessons, contributing to a calm and orderly atmosphere. They show respect for one another, exemplified by their independence in the dining hall, where they take responsibility for their empty plates and make space for others. Significant improvements have been made in the teaching of reading, with a phonics curriculum implemented consistently from Reception onwards. Staff prioritize helping pupils become fluent readers as quickly as possible, providing additional support for those who need it.
While there are systems in place to identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, the interventions provided are not always precisely tailored to meet their individual needs. This can result in some pupils not closing learning gaps as quickly as they could. The school is aware of this issue and is actively working to enhance the support provided.
Pupils are offered various opportunities to develop their character, with respectful interactions between staff and pupils being fundamental to their personal development. They learn about safety and the importance of understanding discrimination and prejudice, particularly older pupils who have a strong grasp of issues such as homophobia and bullying.
Leaders at Walton Primary Academy are committed to supporting staff well-being and workload, making decisions that positively impact both staff and pupils. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with systems in place to identify at-risk pupils and provide necessary support. Staff are well-informed about safeguarding practices and report concerns promptly.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure that additional support for pupils working just below age-related expectations is closely matched to their needs. This will help close the learning gap more effectively. Additionally, leaders should clarify the specific knowledge required in wider curriculum subjects to enhance pupils' subject-specific knowledge over time. Overall, Walton Primary Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
