Wentworth CofE Junior and Infant School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 12, 2023. The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming environment where pupils are happy to attend. They exhibit politeness and a strong eagerness to learn, contributing to a lively and positive atmosphere during social times. The playground is equipped with a variety of equipment that encourages enthusiastic play among students. Respect is a core value at the school, and pupils treat each other well, with bullying reported as a rare occurrence. Staff members support students in addressing any issues they may face, fostering a sense of confidence among the pupils.
The school promotes a sense of responsibility among its students, offering roles such as school councillor, library monitor, and playground leader. This involvement helps develop a healthy sense of competition through team participation. Parents and carers express positive sentiments about the school, with many indicating they would recommend it to others. Feedback from parents highlights the caring nature of the teachers and the positive atmosphere within the school.
Leadership at Wentworth CofE Junior and Infant School is ambitious, aiming to broaden pupils' horizons through a well-designed curriculum that provides essential knowledge for future learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects outside of English and mathematics. Curriculum leaders have not clearly defined the most important knowledge that pupils need to acquire, leading to challenges in delivering the planned content and resulting in gaps in students' knowledge. Additionally, there is a need for consistent systems to assess what pupils have learned.
Reading is prioritized at the school, with a new phonics teaching scheme in place and a refurbished library that is well-utilized. Teachers read to pupils daily, although some reading activities in key stage two have been noted as repetitive. Staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. In mathematics, lessons are structured to break down learning into manageable steps, encouraging pupils to explain their reasoning and explore different methods. However, older pupils have shown difficulty recalling topics that have not been thoroughly covered.
Personal development is a key focus, with a variety of clubs available to enrich the curriculum. Leaders monitor attendance at these clubs to ensure inclusivity, particularly for disadvantaged pupils. The curriculum for personal, social, health, and economic education is well-structured, and pupils engage maturely with topics related to British values. Strong relationships between staff and pupils contribute to positive behavior and effective management of conduct.
Staff members take pride in their work at the school and appreciate the educational initiatives introduced by the headteacher. The governing body is well-informed about the school’s operations, and the trust provides effective support and challenge. Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety and pastoral care rooted in the school's Christian ethos. Staff are trained regularly and ensure pupils understand how to keep themselves safe in various contexts.
To enhance the quality of education, the school must refine its curriculum to focus on essential concepts and improve the depth of coverage in various subjects. This will help address the gaps in pupils' knowledge and ensure a more cohesive learning experience. Overall, Wentworth CofE Junior and Infant School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
