Wells-Next-the-Sea Primary and Nursery School, located in Norfolk, has been inspected and rated as good across all areas of effectiveness, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection took place on January 18 and 19, 2022, marking the first routine inspection since the school became an academy in September 2017. The school has a total enrollment of 228 pupils aged between three and eleven years.
Pupils at Wells-Next-the-Sea are described as curious and eager to learn, thriving in a safe and supportive environment fostered by caring teachers. The curriculum is designed to inspire students, incorporating experiences that connect them with the wider world, such as partnerships with local art galleries and outdoor activities that enhance their understanding of the local natural environment. The school emphasizes high expectations for behavior, encouraging pupils to aspire to interesting careers. The atmosphere is calm, with effective measures in place to address bullying, which is reported to be rare.
The school has made significant strides in developing a curriculum that is engaging and well-structured. Teachers are diligent in assessing pupils' readiness to learn and their retention of knowledge, ensuring that explanations are clear and that students have ample opportunities to practice new concepts. This approach has resulted in pupils being able to recall a substantial amount of what they have learned. However, some aspects of the curriculum are still in the early stages of development, and leaders are actively working to refine the order of the curriculum and improve assessment systems to better gauge long-term retention of knowledge.
Reading is a strong focus at the school, with a carefully selected range of books that promote a love of reading among pupils. Early readers are provided with books that align with the phonics they have been taught, facilitating practice and improvement in their reading skills. The school also prioritizes the social and emotional development of its pupils, teaching them self-control and social skills, which contributes to their positive behavior and attitudes towards learning.
In the early years, teachers are ambitious for children to achieve and work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition from nursery to primary school. The use of engaging books and songs aids in developing language and communication skills among young learners. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance to thrive in their educational journey.
Leaders and staff are aware of the increased workload that has accompanied recent curriculum changes and are keen to provide support through improved communication and training. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of harm and to act swiftly to secure help for pupils when needed. The school promotes online safety and ensures that pupils know how to report concerns.
Overall, Wells-Next-the-Sea Primary and Nursery School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for its pupils. The leadership team is proactive in addressing areas for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum and assessment practices. The school is well-regarded by the local community, and the positive feedback from parents and staff reflects the dedication of the entire school community to the success and well-being of its pupils.
