Willow Tree Primary School, located in St Helens, Merseyside, underwent an inspection on July 5 and 6, 2022. 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 the same rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development.
Pupils at Willow Tree Primary School enjoy attending and benefit from strong relationships with staff, which fosters a safe environment. They feel confident discussing their feelings and believe that staff genuinely care about their well-being. The school has made efforts to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, but there are areas within the curriculum that need better design and delivery. This has resulted in some pupils not achieving their full potential across various subjects, particularly in reading.
The school has implemented a new behavior policy that has positively impacted pupil conduct. Students behave well in lessons and during breaks, showing respect towards each other and staff. They appreciate the recognition of positive behavior and enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and trips, which enhance their learning experience.
Leaders have taken steps to ensure that subject curriculums are challenging and logically sequenced. However, some changes are still in the early stages of development, and there is a lack of clarity regarding the specific knowledge that should be taught in certain subjects. This ambiguity hinders teachers in designing effective learning experiences and assessing pupil progress, which can leave some students unprepared for future educational steps.
While there have been improvements in reading achievement due to recent staff training, inconsistencies remain in how reading materials are selected for pupils. This can impede their development as fluent readers. Leaders have not adequately monitored the implementation of the phonics program, which is crucial for early reading success.
In early years provision, children quickly adapt to routines and enjoy their learning. The behavior policy is effectively applied, minimizing disruptions in classrooms. Leaders have also established strategies to promote regular attendance and punctuality among pupils.
The school offers a broad range of experiences to help pupils understand the wider world, including educational trips and opportunities for leadership roles within the school community. Pupils with special educational needs are identified early and included in the same curriculum as their peers, although inconsistencies in delivery can affect their achievement.
Staff well-being is prioritized by leaders, who are recognized for their supportive approach. The governing body is experienced and knowledgeable, providing appropriate challenges to school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at Willow Tree Primary School are effective, with staff receiving regular training and being aware of the risks pupils may face. Leaders have been proactive in ensuring that vulnerable pupils receive the necessary support.
To improve, the school needs to clarify the key knowledge that should be taught across subjects to enhance the curriculum's effectiveness. Additionally, leaders must ensure that staff consistently implement the early reading training to support pupils in becoming confident readers. Overall, while the school has strengths in pupil behavior and personal development, significant work is needed to enhance the quality of education and leadership.
