Wistaston Church Lane Academy is a larger than average primary school located in Crewe, Cheshire. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, achieving a Good rating in all areas, including leadership and management, teaching quality, personal development, behavior, welfare, and pupil outcomes. The headteacher, supported by senior leaders and governors, has effectively enhanced the quality of education, ensuring that all aspects of provision are good. The school has a strong focus on improving pupils' progress, particularly for disadvantaged students, who have shown commendable attainment in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Phonics teaching at the school is effective, with a high percentage of Year 1 pupils achieving the expected standard in the national phonics screening check. The school has also prioritized the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), providing them with good teaching and support, which has led to strong progress across various subjects. The curriculum is engaging, with numerous educational visits that enrich the learning experience.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, some pupils do not achieve their best, particularly in writing and mathematics, due to insufficient challenges in class. There is a need for more opportunities for pupils to practice their writing skills across the curriculum. The school is aware of these areas for improvement and is actively working to address them.
Pupils' attendance is notably high, and they enjoy coming to school, which contributes to their positive behavior. The school environment is safe, and pupils feel secure, with effective measures in place to tackle bullying. The personal development of pupils is well supported, with initiatives such as the Wistonia University program that encourages them to think about future education and career opportunities.
The early years provision is also rated as good, with children making strong progress in a nurturing environment. The school has implemented effective strategies to ensure that children are well-prepared for their transition to Year 1. Staff are well-trained and understand how young children learn, fostering a productive and friendly atmosphere.
The leadership team, including middle leaders, plays a crucial role in the school's improvement journey. They are knowledgeable about their subjects and actively contribute to enhancing teaching quality. Staff morale is high, and there is a strong sense of pride among the staff regarding the school's progress since the last inspection.
Governance is effective, with advisory board members who are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for development. They provide both challenge and support to the leadership team, ensuring that the school continues to improve. The school has established good relationships with parents, who express satisfaction with the education their children receive.
In summary, Wistaston Church Lane Academy has made commendable strides in improving educational outcomes for its pupils. The school is committed to addressing the remaining challenges, particularly in writing and mathematics, to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential. The positive school culture, strong leadership, and effective teaching practices contribute to a supportive learning environment where pupils can thrive.
