Whinstone Primary School, located in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 5 and 6, 2022. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel ready, respectful, and safe. The established rules are consistently followed by both staff and students, leading to a calm and respectful atmosphere throughout the school day. Pupils express that they feel safe and happy, and instances of bullying are reported to be rare. When issues do arise, students are confident that they can approach any adult for support, and the school has mechanisms like the Whinstone worry box for reporting concerns. The school promotes a culture of anti-bullying, with trained ambassadors actively participating in maintaining a positive environment.
The leadership at Whinstone Primary School emphasizes the importance of fundamental British values, ensuring that pupils understand respect and tolerance. Staff maintain high expectations for student behavior and achievement, and pupils embody the school motto of helping each other to be the best they can be. The school has made significant strides in developing its curriculum, particularly in reading, where a phonics program is effectively implemented. Staff are well-trained to deliver this program, and assessments are used to ensure that pupils are matched with appropriate reading materials. Additional support is provided for those who fall behind, including computer-based resources and regular reading sessions with adults.
In mathematics, the curriculum is undergoing enhancements to ensure that key concepts are revisited frequently, allowing for a deeper understanding. The curriculum is ambitious, outlining clear learning objectives from Nursery to Year 6. In subjects like history, the curriculum is sequenced to build on prior knowledge, although there is still work to be done for younger pupils to ensure a secure understanding of key concepts. The school has introduced methods for pupils to provide feedback on their learning, which helps teachers adjust their plans accordingly.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive strong support, with regular checks on their curriculum to ensure it meets their needs. The school collaborates with outside agencies to provide additional assistance when necessary. The relationships and sex education curriculum effectively teaches pupils about healthy relationships and the diversity of families, contributing to their understanding of equality and diversity issues.
The safeguarding arrangements at Whinstone Primary School are effective, with thorough checks on staff and regular updates provided to ensure a high profile for safeguarding within the school. Staff are knowledgeable about keeping pupils safe, and the curriculum includes essential information about online safety.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The sequencing of the curriculum in some subjects, particularly history, needs to be clearer for younger pupils to build on their existing knowledge accurately. Additionally, the assessment methods in the wider curriculum require refinement to better identify gaps in pupils' knowledge. Leaders are already taking steps to address these issues, ensuring that the school continues to provide a high-quality education for all its pupils. Overall, Whinstone Primary School demonstrates a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and supporting the development of its students.
