Winthorpe Primary School, located in Newark, Nottinghamshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection. The school operates under the motto of learning together and growing together, which is reflected in the positive interactions among pupils. Students demonstrate a strong sense of community, working hard and supporting one another. They are aware of the school's five core values, which emphasize hard work, ambition, curiosity, and respect, and they understand how these values contribute to their school environment.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a culture of politeness and courtesy prevalent throughout the school. Weekly assemblies celebrate achievements, where students earn certificates and tokens, fostering a sense of accomplishment. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including chess, yoga, and reading clubs, which are well-utilized by the students. Additionally, the school organizes residential trips, with this year's anticipated trip to Paris generating excitement among pupils.
Pupils feel empowered and believe they have a voice in the school community. The school council is highly regarded, and prefects exemplify the school's values, serving as role models for younger students. The teaching of reading begins as soon as pupils join the school, with a newly implemented phonics program that has shown positive results. Staff regularly assess pupils' progress to ensure they are meeting expectations, providing additional support when necessary. This approach has led to pupils quickly becoming fluent readers.
Beyond phonics, the school has developed a comprehensive reading curriculum that encourages a love for reading. Pupils engage with a diverse range of texts and authors, discussing works by notable figures such as Dickens and Shakespeare. The curriculum across all subjects is well-structured, clearly outlining learning objectives. However, there are minor inconsistencies in identifying the most critical content for long-term retention, which can affect pupils' recall.
Teachers are dedicated to delivering engaging lessons that build on prior knowledge, although there are instances where the work set does not cater to the full range of abilities within a class. This can result in some pupils finding the work either too easy or too challenging. In the early years, children are enthusiastic learners, and the newly appointed early years leader has implemented a well-designed curriculum. However, the assessment criteria do not fully align with the curriculum's intent, leading to potential inaccuracies in measuring children's progress.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support to ensure they can learn alongside their peers. The school's personal, social, and health education curriculum effectively prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, covering essential topics such as British values and discrimination.
Senior leaders possess a thorough understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Staff express pride in their work environment, describing a supportive and cohesive team. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school, highlighting its balance of pastoral care and academic excellence. The governing body and trust are ambitious for the school, providing a supportive framework for leadership.
The school's safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to ensure pupil safety in various contexts. The safeguarding policy is well understood and consistently applied, with thorough documentation of concerns and actions taken. Pupils are educated on safety in different situations, and initiatives like the worry box empower them to seek help when needed.
While Winthorpe Primary School continues to excel, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum clearly identifies key content for long-term memory and that assessments in the early years align with curriculum intent. Additionally, leaders should ensure that all teachers consistently set work that meets the diverse needs of their pupils. Overall, the school is committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
