St Oswald's Worleston CofE Primary School, located in Cheshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on May 23 and 24, 2023. The school provides a nurturing and supportive environment where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging. Students express happiness in attending school, and they are encouraged to thrive academically and personally. The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that high expectations are set for everyone.
Pupils enjoy their lessons and are particularly enthusiastic about the school's connected curriculum, which is designed to engage them in meaningful learning experiences. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to achieve good outcomes across various subjects. The emphasis on reading, writing, and mathematics is evident, with pupils demonstrating high levels of achievement in these areas. The school has also prioritized early reading, with phonics instruction starting as soon as children enter the early years. This consistent approach helps pupils develop the necessary skills to become confident readers.
Behaviour in the school is generally positive, with pupils being polite and courteous. The school has effective measures in place to address any incidents of bullying or poor behaviour, fostering an environment where pupils feel safe to report concerns. Pupils actively participate in school life through the ethos team and school council, contributing their ideas and engaging in various extracurricular activities, including arts, crafts, and sports.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require further development. The curriculum design in a few subjects is not as robust as in others, which can occasionally hinder the effectiveness of teaching and learning. Leaders are encouraged to refine their curriculum planning to ensure that all subjects are equally well-developed, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge systematically. Additionally, some teachers do not fully utilize assessment systems to check pupils' understanding, leading to instances where misconceptions may go unaddressed.
Attendance remains a concern for a small number of pupils, with persistent absence affecting their access to the full curriculum. The school leadership is aware of this issue and is working to improve attendance rates to ensure that all pupils benefit from the educational opportunities available to them.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Oswald's are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. Pupils are educated about online safety and understand the importance of protecting their personal information. The school community is committed to promoting well-being among both pupils and staff, with leaders actively seeking to reduce unnecessary workloads and prioritize mental health.
Overall, St Oswald's Worleston CofE Primary School is a good school that provides a positive learning environment for its pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, and with a focus on refining the curriculum and addressing attendance issues, the school is well-positioned to enhance its educational offerings further. The commitment to fostering a caring and inclusive atmosphere ensures that all pupils can thrive and achieve their potential.
