Waterfoot Primary School

Overview

Waterfoot Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils “love coming” and feel safe within a nurturing environment. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and achievement, fostering a culture where children are “kind and helpful” and achieve well across a broad curriculum.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “broad and ambitious,” with subject leaders defining key knowledge that helps pupils, including those with SEND, build understanding through “logical steps.”
• Reading is a high priority, supported by a “well-organised programme for teaching phonics” and regular exposure to well-chosen books, helping most pupils become “confident and fluent readers.”
• Support for pupils with special educational needs is “strong,” featuring quick identification of needs and personalised provision such as the ‘hazel’ classroom.
• Pupils thrive in a “calm and purposeful environment,” valuing opportunities to act as role models and engaging in diverse clubs and outdoor adventures.
• Staff feel “listened to and valued,” with governors providing high-priority support to leaders regarding workload and school development.

Areas to improve

• In a small number of subjects, assessments are “not fully matched to the intended curriculum,” meaning teachers may not pinpoint gaps in learning effectively. Leaders must ensure pupils have learned all essential knowledge before moving on.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving comprehensive training and maintaining strong links with agencies to ensure vulnerable pupils receive “timely and appropriate support.”