Rated Outstanding For Leadership - 2023, 2018 and 2013

Overall we have been graded as a ‘Good’ school with previous inspection judgements being validated (Overall 'Good' and 'Outstanding' for Leadership and Management - March 2018 and December 2013).

WDPS Ofsted Inspection – May 2023

The May half-term 2023 ended with Ofsted Inspectors visiting the WDPS community on the 16th and 17th May. 

Well, Ofsted finally arrived and I appreciate that the Inspector, Phil Scott, quickly gained a clear understanding of our school culture. Having being a Head Teacher himself, he was well aware of the challenges that we face. The staff and I were delighted with the final report which we feel gives a strong flavour of the learning our children enjoy at WDPS.

Highlights

Pupils obviously enjoy school, and get on well together. Behaviour is good. Relationships between adults and pupils are warm and trusting.

Pupils enjoy lessons, saying learning is not too easy or hard. They say teachers always expect them to do their best. Pupils gain house points for displaying school values like being caring or a risk-taker. Pupils’ eyes light up when talking about the school grounds. The firm favourite is the bushcraft area, which is a magical place in which to learn.

Leaders have devised a curriculum which is inspiring, captivating pupils’ interests. The curriculum is brought to life by using local resources, including the local river for environmental science. Leaders make sure that all pupils learn to read as quickly as possible. Pupils are quickly building the knowledge and skills they need to read well. Pupils’ attitudes to learning and in lessons are positive.

Leaders are determined to see all pupils succeed and provide many additional support tools for pupils with SEND. This reflects the school’s inclusivity and enables all pupils to access the full curriculum.

The Head Teacher and leaders create many opportunities and activities to promote pupils’ broader development. These are extensive, exhilarating and purposeful. The Head Teacher has combined aspects of these many projects into a ‘Life Skills Challenge Award’. This promotes positive characteristics in pupils such as communication, tolerance, respect and creativity. This whole aspect of the school’s work in the ‘Life Skills Challenge Award’ is inspiring.

Staff morale is strong. Adults are proud to work in the school. Leaders treat staff fairly and with respect. Leaders ensure safeguarding is a top priority. Everyone is involved. Pupils learn how to stay safe in and out of school. They learn about online safety and road safety.

What does the school need to do to improve?

The curriculum in a few foundation subjects is not as well mapped out as it is in others. Key themes that link learning are not clearly defined. Leaders must ensure that all curriculum areas are carefully structured, planned and sequenced, so that pupils learn well across all subjects.

A huge thank you to the WDPS team (Staff and Governors)  for caring for our children so well. I also appreciate the strong support that we receive from our families on a daily basis.