Whittonstall First School

Overview

Leaders have established a "warm and welcoming ethos" where pupils enjoy attending school and feel safe. The report highlights successful curriculum development in core subjects, with staff demonstrating "secure subject knowledge" and effective teaching sequences.

Strengths

• Pupils make a "positive start to reading," benefiting from a well-embedded phonics scheme and books "well matched to their phonics knowledge."
• The curriculum in reading, mathematics, and history is robust, with "effective" sequences of learning that help pupils build knowledge.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access all aspects of school life alongside peers, supported by "efficient and effective" processes.
• Behaviour is generally positive, with bullying described as "rare" and pupils understanding how good behaviour aids learning.
• Staff workload is reduced through a shared subject leadership model, and pupils value opportunities like the ‘buddy’ system and forest school.

Areas to improve

• Sequences of learning in some foundation subjects, such as physical education, are "not planned clearly," preventing pupils from building on previous knowledge effectively.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with clear procedures, timely referrals, and a culture where staff believe "it could happen here."