Newton Westpark Primary School in Leigh, Lancashire, was inspected on 14 and 15 February 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school provides a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Strong relationships between staff and students foster a sense of community, and pupils demonstrate kindness and consideration towards one another, particularly towards those with special educational needs and disabilities. The leadership team has high expectations for pupil achievement, and students respond positively, showing enthusiasm in their lessons and taking pride in their work.
Behaviour at the school is commendable, with pupils displaying politeness and good manners. They navigate the school premises in an orderly fashion, and any incidents of bullying are addressed swiftly and effectively by the leadership team. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including dance, football clubs, and choir, which help to develop pupils' interests and talents beyond the academic curriculum.
The curriculum is well-structured, preparing pupils for their next educational steps. Reception class children acquire the necessary skills for Year 1, while Year 6 pupils are equipped for the challenges of key stage 3. Teachers design lesson activities that promote effective learning, ensuring that pupils can recall previous knowledge and build on their existing skills. However, there is a need for further development in the curriculum regarding subject-specific vocabulary, as some older pupils lack the necessary language skills to engage fully with certain topics in the wider curriculum.
Assessment strategies are effectively employed by teachers to monitor pupil progress and address any gaps in learning. This approach ensures that pupils have a solid understanding before advancing to new material. Senior leaders are focused on enhancing the expertise of new curriculum leaders, which will further strengthen the implementation of subject curriculums across the school.
Reading is a priority, with staff receiving ongoing training to deliver a new phonics programme effectively. Children begin this programme in Reception, and teachers closely monitor pupils who struggle, providing necessary support to help them catch up. Despite improvements in the reading curriculum, progress for Year 6 pupils in 2022 was noted as weak, prompting leaders to revise the key stage 2 curriculum to encourage more extensive reading practices.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs, collaborating with external specialists to ensure these students receive appropriate support. The environment is calm and conducive to learning, with leaders ensuring that pupils who struggle with behaviour receive the necessary assistance to improve over time.
While there have been positive changes in attendance, some pupils remain persistently absent, which affects their learning. Leaders are encouraged to take further action to improve attendance rates. The school promotes personal development by teaching pupils about diversity and encouraging respect and tolerance for others.
Governors are knowledgeable about the school and provide effective support and challenge to the leadership team. Staff feel supported in managing their workloads, contributing to a positive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. Overall, Newton Westpark Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its pupils.
