Windmill Hill Primary School in Runcorn, Cheshire, was inspected on 25 and 26 April 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a strong reputation for providing a caring and nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The staff are well-acquainted with the students and their families, fostering strong relationships built on trust. The atmosphere within the school is calm, and pupils exhibit exceptional behavior, treating one another with kindness and courtesy. They demonstrate resilience and a keen eagerness to learn, which contributes to their overall academic success.
The school has high expectations for academic achievement, and by the end of key stage two, pupils are noted to achieve well. The curriculum is broad and offers a variety of learning opportunities, including outdoor education and leadership roles, such as well-being officers who educate their peers about healthy choices. Pupils are also well-informed about safety, particularly regarding road safety, and they actively participate in extracurricular activities like football and choir.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The early years curriculum is still being finalized, which has led to some staff being unclear about the essential knowledge that children should acquire. This gap can hinder the learning process for some children, particularly in their early development stages. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and effectively present information, ensuring that learning builds on prior knowledge. They regularly assess pupils' understanding, which helps identify any misconceptions or gaps in learning, and provide effective support for those needing to catch up.
The school has established a culture of reading, with pupils enjoying a diverse range of literature. Most pupils read fluently and confidently by key stage two. The phonics program developed by the school is well-implemented, although there are concerns regarding the opportunities for key stage one pupils to apply their phonics knowledge independently, which affects their reading fluency.
Pupils learn to behave appropriately and follow school rules diligently. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their existing knowledge about health and well-being. The commitment of governors and the satisfaction of parents and carers reflect the school's positive environment. Staff report high levels of job satisfaction, aided by well-designed curriculums that help manage their workload.
However, some leaders lack the expertise to accurately evaluate their areas of responsibility, which can lead to unaddressed weaknesses affecting pupil outcomes. The school needs to enhance the skills of its leaders to ensure they can effectively assess and improve their areas. Additionally, the early years curriculum must be finalized to provide clear guidance on essential knowledge and vocabulary for children, ensuring they are well-prepared for future learning.
The safeguarding arrangements at Windmill Hill Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, but there are areas that require attention to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
