Westvale Primary School, located in Kirkby, Liverpool, underwent an inspection on May 17 and 18, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision.
The school environment is characterized by a strong sense of community where pupils feel valued and supported. Staff members are dedicated to fostering a safe and nurturing atmosphere, allowing students to grow in confidence. Pupils express that they have access to trusted adults for support regarding any worries or concerns, contributing to their overall happiness and sense of security. While most parents and pupils appreciate the school's efforts, a minority have raised concerns about the handling of bullying incidents. Nevertheless, the inspection found that staff are proactive in addressing any issues of unkind behavior.
Leaders at Westvale Primary School have high expectations for their pupils, encouraging hard work and mutual respect. The school motto, Striving for Excellence, Caring for All, is embraced by the students, who take pride in participating in various events and activities, such as the annual talent competition and numerous clubs organized by staff. Despite these positive aspects, some pupils are not achieving to their full potential in certain subjects, particularly in writing by the end of key stage one.
The inspection highlighted that while leaders have established clear learning objectives across most subjects, there are still areas needing improvement. Some subject leaders have not yet had the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of their teaching, leading to gaps in the identification of essential content that pupils need to master. This has resulted in some students struggling to recall prior learning and build upon their knowledge effectively.
In terms of teaching practices, educators generally provide clear explanations of new concepts and utilize assessment methods effectively in some subjects. However, there is a need for better monitoring of pupil understanding over time to address misconceptions that may arise. By the end of key stage two, pupils generally achieve well across most subjects, but there is a notable concern regarding the writing outcomes for key stage one pupils.
The school has made significant strides in enhancing its early reading program, which is well-implemented by staff. Pupils in the early stages of reading receive strong support, and they enjoy engaging with books and participating in reading-related activities. The positive attitudes towards reading are evident among older pupils, who express a love for literature and take pride in their new school library.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and manners, with disruptions to learning being rare. However, attendance remains an issue for a small number of students, which affects their progress. The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to access the same curriculum as their peers.
Since the previous inspection, the governing body has become more informed about the school's strengths and weaknesses, working collaboratively with the new headteacher to foster a positive environment for staff and students alike. Staff members feel valued and supported, contributing to a sense of pride in their work.
The safeguarding arrangements at Westvale Primary School are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to various safeguarding issues. Pupils are educated about safety, including internet safety and the dangers of drugs, ensuring they are well-informed about their well-being.
To improve further, the school needs to clarify the key content that pupils should learn and ensure that assessment information is utilized effectively to address misconceptions. Additionally, leaders should focus on enhancing writing outcomes for key stage one pupils and improving attendance for those who struggle to attend regularly.
