Whixall CofE Primary School is recognized as a good school, providing a welcoming and friendly environment where pupils achieve well. The staff maintain high expectations for all students, fostering an atmosphere of excitement about learning. Upon arrival, pupils are greeted warmly by staff, who know them by name, contributing to a sense of safety and security. The school promotes kindness and excellent manners among pupils, who demonstrate respect for one another and adhere to the school's Christian values, which include respect, care, support, tolerance, perseverance, forgiveness, and trust. These values are integrated into the school culture and involve parents in their promotion.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and during playtime, with no one left out during activities. On the rare occasions when unkindness occurs, staff intervene promptly to resolve issues. Feedback from pupils indicates that they feel happy and safe at school, a sentiment echoed by parents and staff. The school excels in its curriculum, which is well-planned and allows pupils to build on their existing knowledge. Teachers effectively connect lessons, enabling students to practice and reinforce their skills. However, there is room for improvement in the assessment of history, where the understanding of pupils is not consistently checked.
Reading is prioritized at Whixall, with phonics instruction starting in Reception Year. Experienced staff teach phonics systematically, ensuring that pupils develop confidence through repetition of familiar sounds. Regular assessments help teachers identify pupils who may be at risk of falling behind, allowing for timely support. As a result, pupils who struggle with reading are able to catch up quickly. The enjoyment of reading is evident among pupils, who share their stories enthusiastically and engage in group reading activities.
In mathematics, the school has made significant improvements after identifying previous shortcomings. Lessons are now logically sequenced, allowing pupils to develop their mathematical skills effectively. Teachers ensure that pupils fully understand their work before progressing to new topics. Pupils respect their teachers and each other, listening attentively and responding kindly during discussions.
The school aims to cultivate lively and enquiring minds, providing a wide range of activities and experiences. All pupils in key stage two learn to play a musical instrument, and regular trips complement their learning. For instance, recent visits to Nantwich allowed pupils to explore Tudor history. The curriculum also includes lessons on different faiths and cultures, with visits to places of worship enhancing their understanding. The school is committed to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain.
Collaboration with another school in the same trust has proven beneficial, as staff support one another in their professional development. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff prioritizing pupil safety and receiving appropriate training to identify and address potential risks. The school engages pupils in discussions about safety and invites police representatives to reinforce these messages.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Assessment practices need to be more consistent across all subjects to ensure a comprehensive understanding of pupils' knowledge and skills. Additionally, lesson sequencing in history requires attention to allow for incremental knowledge building. Overall, Whixall CofE Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and achievement.
