Wilberlee Junior and Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 July 2022

Wilberlee Junior and Infant School provides an inclusive and caring environment where pupils can thrive. This view is shared by many parents who describe Wilberlee as 'a school with a heart'. Relationships between pupils and teachers are respectful. Pupils say that their teachers care about them. Pupils trust all the adults in school to help them if they have worries. As a result, pupils feel safe and the behaviour of almost all pupils is a strength of the school. For the small number of pupils who find managing their behaviour more challenging, leaders get them the support they need to improve. Consequently, classrooms are calm and purposeful places where pupils can learn. Pupils are motivated to work hard. They enjoy getting rewards, such as 'treasures in the tub', when they demonstrate the whole school values of tolerance, resilience and honesty. Wilberlee School is a happy place. Working with other schools in the federation, leaders have ensured that pupils experience an exciting, wider curriculum. This includes residential visits, after-school clubs and a range of visiting authors. Restrictions caused by COVID-19 have meant that some pupils' roles and responsibilities have been limited. However, pupils enjoy being door and laptop monitors. They take pride in their contributions to school life. Pupils describe their school as 'welcoming, loving and peaceful'.

What the school should improve

• Pupils' understanding of different religions and fundamental British values are underdeveloped. Pupils do not remember the religions that they have learned previously or the British values they have been introduced to. Leaders should ensure that this aspect of the curriculum is reviewed and implemented effectively so that pupils' knowledge of the religions and beliefs that exist in modern Britain today is strengthened.
• In wider curriculum subjects, governors do not know the impact leaders' curriculum actions have had on pupils' learning. Governors have not monitored the curriculum with enough rigour. In part, this is because of the restrictions caused by COVID-19. Leaders must ensure that governors are kept fully informed on the impact of their actions to improve the curriculum. Governors must then use this information to challenge leaders on their decision making and curriculum rationale.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)