Wollaston Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 October 2023

This is a school where everyone is welcome. Pupils say that the school's values help them to learn and live well together. For example, pupils explain how the statement 'we include' reminds them to look beyond their immediate friendship groups when they seek others to play with. Playtimes are happy times, when some pupils enjoy vigorous games and others relax and chat with their friends. Any disputes are quickly sorted out. A lot has changed at this school in a short amount of time. Expectations are higher now, and pupils are better prepared for what they will learn next. Everyone is determined to continue to improve the school. Many parents and carers are pleased with these changes. Parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) say that their children get the support they need. Pupils are proud of their school. Those who are 'reading leaders' say that they like helping other pupils to develop a love of reading. Pupils feel listened to. They say that 'teachers are open to our feelings'. Pupils appreciate the chance to pause and reflect during mindfulness sessions. The school is a calm place to be, and pupils treat each other with respect. They understand and value each other's differences.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not always spot when pupils are not actively engaged with their learning. Opportunities to check pupils' knowledge or enhance their vocabulary are sometimes lost. The school should ensure that expectations of all pupils remain high, so that pupils benefit from every opportunity to practise using important knowledge.
• The curriculum in some subjects is more refined and established than in others. In a few areas, pupils do not recall or consistently use what they have learned as well as they might. The school should continue to further develop the curriculum so that all staff know precisely what the really important knowledge is and how to check that this is having the desired impact on pupils' learning over time.
• Not all parents feel that they know what their children are learning. The school should continue to develop ways of working with all parents so that parents know the effective work of the school and how they can support their children.
• Pupils are tolerant and respectful. However, some pupils do not have sufficient knowledge of different faiths and cultures to prepare them for life in modern Britain. The school should continue to develop opportunities for pupils to deepen their knowledge of the diversity of religious and non-religious traditions.

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