Weaverham Forest Primary School

Overview

Pupils enjoy attending this school, describing it as a “friendly, positive place” where they feel safe and valued. Leaders have developed an “ambitious curriculum” that generally helps pupils secure their learning and make connections between ideas. The school fosters strong relationships between staff and pupils, with a particular emphasis on reading and personal development.

Strengths

• Pupils are “polite” and “respectful of others,” behaving well and trusting staff to deal with bullying quickly.
• There is a “strong culture of reading,” with well-structured phonics sessions and effective support for those falling behind.
• The early years provision prepares children well, helping them develop communication skills and learn to “take turns and play together.”
• Leaders provide opportunities for pupils to learn about different cultures and religions, such as through visits from Sikh and Islamic community members.
• Staff feel that leaders are “considerate of their workload and well-being.”

Areas to improve

• In a small number of subjects, leaders must ensure pupils build learning in a “logical sequence” so teachers have clear guidance on what and when to teach.
• Leaders should take “timely action” when attendance rates drop, as current responses lack urgency and cause pupils to miss curriculum content.
• Leaders need to forge “effective partnerships with parents of pupils with SEND” to ensure concerns are listened to and support is viewed as effective.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture of safeguarding” where staff are well trained to spot risks and raise concerns promptly.