Westwood Primary School, located in Middleton, Leeds, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 5 and 6, 2023. The school promotes a culture where pupils are encouraged to dream, believe, and achieve, fostering a vibrant community that instills a strong sense of belonging. Teachers are attentive to the needs of their students, providing support when necessary, which contributes to a positive learning environment.
The school sets high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils are actively engaged in their lessons and strive to meet these expectations, resulting in commendable achievements across various subjects. The behavior of pupils is commendable, as they understand and adhere to the school’s rules and routines, which are established swiftly, particularly in the early years. This approach ensures a smooth transition for younger children entering the school.
Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, who take pride in roles such as members of the school parliament and attendance ambassadors. Their involvement enriches school life, with initiatives like the active all-stars program, where older pupils coach younger ones in after-school sports. The school also emphasizes strong relationships with families, offering meaningful opportunities for parental involvement, such as cooking lessons alongside their children, which are well-received by families.
Westwood Primary School excels in fostering a strong reading culture. Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for reading, supported by staff who actively promote frequent reading habits. The school’s phonics program is effectively implemented, with staff trained to identify and support pupils who may be falling behind. Most pupils become confident readers by the end of Year 2, thanks to the alignment of reading materials with the phonics they have learned.
The curriculum is rich and ambitious, designed thoughtfully for early years and key stages one and two. Leaders ensure that staff receive the necessary training to deliver the curriculum effectively. Teachers utilize their subject knowledge to plan activities that help pupils learn and retain new information, contributing to a solid foundation of knowledge across subjects. However, there are instances where assessment strategies could be improved to ensure that all essential knowledge is retained by pupils, as gaps in understanding can hinder future learning.
The school has established clear systems for identifying pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to access the curriculum alongside their peers. Collaboration with parents and external agencies further enhances the support provided to these pupils. Classroom environments are conducive to learning, with low-level disruption being rare, allowing pupils to focus on their studies.
Westwood Primary School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs for computing, art, and creative writing, which allow pupils to explore their interests and talents. The school prioritizes the well-being of its community, providing opportunities for pupils to discuss any concerns they may have through initiatives like time to talk sessions.
Staff feel valued and supported by school leaders, who manage workloads considerately. The governing body plays an effective role in supporting and challenging the school. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, it is essential to address the occasional gaps in knowledge retention to further enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
