Wansdyke Primary School, located in Whitchurch, Bristol, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on January 18 and 19, 2023. The school was rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was the first inspection under the Education Act since the school had not been previously inspected.
Pupils at Wansdyke Primary School express enjoyment in their learning experiences and feel secure and well cared for. The leadership team demonstrates ambition for all students, maintaining high expectations. Staff actively promote physical and mental well-being, encouraging students to engage in various roles that contribute to the school community, such as play leaders and members of initiatives like young minds and the garden of hope. The school’s values emphasize respect, opportunities, collaboration, and aspiration, guiding pupils in their interactions and fostering a strong sense of right and wrong.
From an early age, students are taught to behave appropriately within the school environment. They exhibit politeness and care for one another, with a clear understanding of bullying and its rarity in their school. Pupils feel comfortable approaching adults with any concerns, contributing to a positive atmosphere where they are eager to succeed. The majority of parents express satisfaction with the school, highlighting the approachability of the staff.
The curriculum at Wansdyke Primary is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build knowledge progressively across subjects. Leaders have effectively broken down essential knowledge into manageable steps, enabling teachers to assess students' understanding and retention. This approach supports all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. In mathematics, a strong emphasis on foundational skills equips pupils to tackle problems confidently.
However, the inspection identified areas for improvement. In some subjects, expectations from staff were found to be insufficient, leading to inconsistencies in the presentation of work and the timely identification of mistakes. Consequently, some pupils do not achieve their full potential. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that staff understand and apply high expectations consistently across all subjects.
Reading is a priority at Wansdyke Primary, with a strong focus on fostering a love for literature. Phonics instruction begins in the early years, and regular reading lessons help pupils develop essential skills. The enjoyment of reading is further enhanced through engaging class novels, inspiring students to explore literature independently.
The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring their individual needs are met through tailored support plans. Staff regularly review these plans to maintain appropriate provisions. Positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a supportive environment where students develop independence and confidence.
Attendance is generally good, with leaders actively working with families to address any issues of low attendance. The school promotes personal development through various opportunities, teaching pupils about health, relationships, and cultural diversity. The governing body and trust leaders share a clear vision for the school’s future, supporting and challenging leaders effectively.
The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. The school maintains detailed records and collaborates with external agencies when necessary. Pupils receive education on safety, including online safety, ensuring they are well-informed.
Overall, Wansdyke Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted strengths in leadership, curriculum design, and pupil well-being while also identifying areas for growth to enhance the educational experience further.
