Westmoor Primary School, located in Southgate, Killingworth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has undergone a recent inspection that highlights significant improvements since its previous evaluation. The school has received commendable ratings across various categories, including good ratings for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management, with outstanding ratings for personal development and early years provision. The inspection took place on 22 and 23 October 2024, and the school has made notable strides since its last inspection, which required improvement.
The school fosters a positive learning environment characterized by high expectations for both academic and social development. The curriculum is designed to build on prior learning effectively, spanning from Nursery to Year 6. It is enriched with educational visits and guest speakers, making lessons engaging and purposeful. Children quickly adapt to the school’s routines, often arriving with enthusiasm. By the end of Year 6, pupils achieve high standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, preparing them well for secondary education.
Attendance rates are commendable, with pupils arriving on time and demonstrating good behaviour throughout the school. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, which are well-received by parents, carers, and pupils alike. Opportunities for leadership and responsibility are provided, allowing pupils to develop essential skills in citizenship and teamwork. The school places a strong emphasis on mental health and well-being, creating a harmonious atmosphere during break times where cooperation and respect are prevalent.
The curriculum is well-structured, particularly in English and mathematics, where pupils achieve exceptional results by the end of key stage two. However, some older pupils exhibit gaps in knowledge in certain subjects due to the recent implementation of the revised curriculum. The school is actively working to address these gaps while ensuring that the curriculum is fully embedded across all subjects.
The identification of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is handled effectively, although there are instances where the targets set for these pupils do not align perfectly with their needs. The school is conducting a review to enhance the support provided to these students, ensuring their needs are consistently met.
Reading is prioritized at Westmoor, with a notable increase in the percentage of pupils meeting the standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check, surpassing the national average. The phonics programme is delivered with expertise, and early readers are provided with books that correspond to their learning, fostering confidence and fluency in reading.
The early years provision is particularly strong, with children entering Nursery and Reception happily. The classrooms are welcoming, and relationships among children, staff, and parents are exceptionally positive. Staff maintain high expectations, and the curriculum is tailored to meet individual needs, resulting in exceptional progress for children.
While most pupils attend regularly, those eligible for pupil premium funding tend to have lower attendance rates. The school implements a consistent behaviour policy, addressing inappropriate behaviour promptly and effectively. Pupils understand the rewards and consequences associated with their actions, contributing to a positive school culture.
The school’s approach to personal development is exemplary, with pupils gaining awareness of local and global issues through assemblies and educational visits. They demonstrate a strong understanding of individual rights and safety, particularly in online environments. The leadership team, including governors, is well-informed about the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring a focus on staff well-being and workload.
Overall, Westmoor Primary School has made significant progress since its last inspection, providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in addressing knowledge gaps and enhancing support for pupils with special educational needs.
