Walton On Trent CofE Primary and Nursery School, located in Derbyshire, was inspected on 17 and 18 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Leanne Gaffiney, leads the school, which is part of the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by a board of trustees, chaired by Colin Hopkins, and the chief executive officer is Mike Donoghue.
The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005, as it was exempt from routine inspection until November 2020. This inspection marks a significant evaluation of the school's current educational provision. Pupils at Walton On Trent thrive in a caring and inclusive environment, where they feel supported by kind staff. The school promotes values such as kindness, honesty, respect, perseverance, courage, and ambition, which are celebrated in weekly assemblies.
Pastoral support is a notable strength of the school, with trained adults available to assist pupils facing difficulties. The school encourages pupils to express their concerns through 'worry boxes' and fosters a sense of safety and confidence among students. A variety of activities are offered to promote physical and mental well-being, including swimming, Bikeability training, and sports. The school also emphasizes healthy eating as part of its curriculum.
Pupils demonstrate good behaviour in lessons and throughout the school, responding positively to teachers' expectations. Any instances of misbehaviour are managed effectively according to established procedures. The school has a clear vision for all pupils to achieve their full potential, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum has been recently revised to ensure it meets the needs of all students, including those in mixed-age classes.
While the curriculum is being implemented and tested over a three-year cycle, there are areas for improvement. Some subjects are still in the early stages of implementation, and checks on pupils' understanding are not consistently frequent. This can hinder the pace of learning for some students. Reading is prioritized, with early phonics instruction starting as soon as pupils join the school. Support for reading continues as needed, ensuring that all pupils have access to appropriate resources.
The early years provision is well-planned and tailored to children's needs, focusing on language development and providing a rich learning environment. Pupils are well-prepared for their next educational steps. The school supports broader personal development, allowing pupils to take on various roles and responsibilities within the school community. However, there is a need for improvement in pupils' understanding of diverse faiths and cultures, as well as fundamental British values such as democracy.
Staff express satisfaction with the support they receive for their workload and well-being, valuing the training provided by the school and the trust. Governance is effective, with all responsible parties fulfilling their statutory responsibilities. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on embedding the revised curriculum across all subjects and ensuring that pupils consistently recall and apply their learning. Additionally, it should work on promoting a deeper understanding of a range of faiths and cultures to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Overall, Walton On Trent CofE Primary and Nursery School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
