Whalton Church of England Aided Primary School

Overview

Pupils take pride in this "small and caring school" where they feel safe and well supported. Leaders have developed an "ambitious curriculum" that is particularly effective in reading and mathematics, fostering high levels of pupil confidence and engagement.

Strengths

• Reading is a high priority, with "well-structured phonics sessions" and books "well matched to the sounds they are learning."
• Mathematics teaching is planned so pupils "revise previous learning well," resulting in confidence and recognition of achievements.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive "carefully planned" support from an experienced leader, with timely referrals to specialist agencies.
• Behaviour is positive, with "kind and friendly" relationships between staff and pupils, and bullying is "rare and not tolerated."
• The wider curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills and understand "modern Britain" through federation work.

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects, such as history and design and technology, "the sequencing of content in lessons is not clear," preventing pupils from effectively building knowledge.
• Assessment methods in some subjects are not checking what pupils can do and remember well enough, meaning leaders lack a "secure understanding of the impact of the curriculum."

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff and governors receiving timely training and clear procedures in place to secure external support when pupils may be at risk.