Wellow Primary School, located in West Wellow, Hampshire, has been assessed as a good school following its inspection on November 21 and 22, 2023. The headteacher, Bethan Larcombe, leads the school, which is part of the University of Winchester Trust. This trust provides additional oversight and support through an executive leadership team and a board of trustees chaired by Tommy Geddes.
Pupils at Wellow Primary School express enjoyment in attending school and feel a strong sense of belonging within the community. They appreciate the diverse range of opportunities available to them, both academically and in extracurricular activities. The school fosters a respectful and polite atmosphere, ensuring that students feel safe and know where to seek help if needed. High expectations for behavior are set, and the majority of students meet these standards, with additional support provided to those who require it. This contributes to a calm and positive learning environment where students are eager to learn.
The school offers a variety of clubs and events, including sports, book clubs, and language learning, allowing students to engage in different activities and take on responsibilities such as PE ambassadors and house captains. This involvement instills a sense of pride among pupils regarding their roles and contributions to the school community.
Wellow Primary School has developed a rigorous and ambitious curriculum that is thoughtfully sequenced to ensure that pupils acquire essential knowledge over time. This begins in the early years, including pre-school, effectively preparing children for future learning. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of knowledge retention, particularly in mathematics, where students frequently practice what they have learned. The school maintains high ambitions for all pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Reading is a key focus, with children starting to learn about sounds and letters as soon as they enter Reception. The teaching of reading is highly effective, with skilled teachers providing immediate support to those who need it. This results in pupils developing accuracy, fluency, and confidence in their reading abilities. The school library is a popular resource, and students enjoy sharing their reading experiences.
Mathematical knowledge and vocabulary are also prioritized, with students practicing to achieve fluency and applying their skills to problem-solving. This approach begins in early years and continues through to older pupils, who can articulate their mathematical processes confidently. The curriculum encourages inquiry and exploration, although some activities may not always align closely with the essential knowledge being taught.
While the majority of pupils achieve high standards, there are inconsistencies in the support provided to those with special educational needs. The school is aware of this and is working to ensure that all pupils receive the appropriate adaptations to maximize their learning potential.
Wellow Primary School enriches the curriculum through various experiences, including trips and guest speakers, which broaden pupils' understanding of the world. The school emphasizes resilience, health, and safety, and teaches students about diverse relationships and backgrounds, fostering a culture of tolerance and respect.
Staff well-being and workload are prioritized, with extensive support from other schools within the trust. The school is committed to utilizing effective practices and resources while ensuring that staff have opportunities for collaboration.
The safeguarding arrangements at Wellow Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school continues to strive for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, receive the tailored support they require to progress effectively.
