Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Windy Arbor Primary School on 28 February 2018, following its previous judgment of good in May 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively upheld the standards since the last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a caring and inclusive environment where children are prioritized in decision-making. The school’s ethos encourages lifelong learning and promotes respect, confidence, and harmony within the community. Parents and carers expressed high satisfaction with the support provided by staff, noting their dedication to going above and beyond for students and families.
The leadership structure has seen changes, including the appointment of a new headteacher and an acting chair of governors. Together with the senior leadership team, they have established a proactive approach to improving educational standards. The school development plan identifies appropriate priorities, and the leadership team has quickly gained the support of staff in implementing these initiatives. Pupils arrive eager to learn, and the majority express positive feelings about their education, feeling well-supported by their teachers. Behavior in the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating confidence in discussing their learning experiences.
The school has effectively engaged with the community, with parents appreciating the communication and support provided by staff. The ongoing building work has posed challenges, but the leadership has maintained a focus on improving educational outcomes while ensuring pupil safety through appropriate risk assessments. The previous inspection highlighted the need for support for middle leaders in mathematics and English, as well as the sharing of good practices to challenge more able pupils. Middle leaders have become more established in their roles, receiving support to lead effectively, and they articulate their contributions to improving standards.
Good practices are now shared more widely within the school and across the Unity Trust collaboration. While there has been progress in challenging the most able pupils, this remains an area for improvement. The governing body has faced personnel changes but remains focused on the school’s priorities. They recognize the need to enhance their skills to provide effective support and challenge to the leadership team. Despite being a good school, there is a shared ambition for further improvement in teaching quality, leadership development, and maintaining high challenge levels for all pupils.
Safeguarding is a strength of the school, with a strong culture established by leaders. The designated safeguarding lead and inclusion team work collaboratively to ensure that pupils and families receive necessary support. Parents commend the staff for their dedication, which extends beyond term time, with staff making efforts to support families during holidays. The inclusion team addresses all aspects of safeguarding, including attendance, and actively encourages regular school attendance among pupils.
The inspection findings indicate that leadership and management have been maintained and developed since the last inspection. Teachers engage in reflective practices and share insights from training, contributing to improved teaching quality. Initiatives to enhance attendance have been implemented, but persistent absenteeism remains a concern, particularly among disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The school recognizes the need for continued focus on improving attendance and fostering a love of reading among pupils, particularly encouraging more able readers to select challenging texts. The early years provision is strong, with children making good progress from low starting points, supported by engaging activities and well-established routines. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
