Windsor Community Primary School in Toxteth, Liverpool, was inspected on 5 and 6 October 2023, and the overall effectiveness was rated as requiring improvement. The quality of education was also assessed as requiring improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, were rated as good. Leadership and management, along with early years provision, were found to require improvement. The school had previously received an outstanding rating during its last inspection nine years ago, reflecting a significant decline in performance.
The inspection highlighted that the school provides a supportive environment where pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, feel valued and recognized. Pupils generally exhibit good behaviour, express happiness, and report making many friends. They feel safe and view the school as a refuge. The school offers various learning experiences through breakfast clubs, classrooms, and after-school activities, promoting responsibility among pupils. The school council members expressed enthusiasm for participating in significant decisions affecting the school.
Despite the positive aspects, the report noted that the curriculum's variable quality, particularly in early years, necessitates further work to meet the school's high expectations for pupil achievement. The school aims to help pupils overcome challenges such as poverty and prejudice, providing opportunities to develop personal skills and celebrate their diverse backgrounds. However, published information does not fully reflect pupils' achievements, particularly for those who start in Reception and remain until Year 6. While pupils engage positively with learning opportunities, some subject curriculums lack essential information outlined in the national curriculum, hindering adequate preparation for future education stages.
The school effectively utilizes assessment strategies to monitor pupil learning and quickly identifies the needs of those with special educational needs. The phonics program is well-implemented, aiding pupils in developing reading skills. Staff receive coaching to enhance early reading instruction, and the school has invested in high-quality reading materials. Early years staff provide enjoyable learning experiences, fostering physical activity and language development. However, clarity is needed regarding the specific knowledge to be taught and the timing of instruction, which affects children's understanding.
Pupils generally manage their feelings well, and staff maintain a calm and supportive atmosphere, resulting in rare disruptions during lessons. The school prioritizes staff workload management, allowing teachers to focus on instruction. Parents are engaged through various initiatives, equipping them to support their children's learning at home. However, the governing body lacks a clear understanding of the school's actions to improve the curriculum, limiting their ability to provide necessary support and challenge.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective. To improve, the school must ensure that its curriculum aligns with national standards, addressing gaps in knowledge that pupils need for future learning. Additionally, the early years curriculum requires better identification of essential knowledge and teaching timelines. The governing body should enhance its oversight of curriculum improvement efforts to strengthen the school's overall effectiveness. The inspection team emphasized the importance of these improvements to ensure that all pupils receive a high-quality education that prepares them adequately for their future.
