Westfield Primary School in Runcorn, Cheshire, has recently undergone an inspection on May 16 and 17, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Westfield Primary School express enjoyment in attending this welcoming environment where they strive to meet the expectations set by school leaders to be ready, respectful, and safe. The strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a sense of safety and well-being. The school effectively addresses any instances of bullying, ensuring that pupils feel secure. Staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, leading to commendable achievements across most subjects.
The school promotes positive behaviour, with pupils demonstrating respect for one another and adults alike. They exhibit excellent manners and take pride in celebrating each other's successes. A wide range of extracurricular activities is available, including clubs for sewing, gardening, choir, and basketball, which particularly benefit pupils with special educational needs. Pupils feel heard, as leaders actively consider their suggestions for new clubs.
Leaders have successfully tackled previous areas for improvement, resulting in a robust educational experience for pupils. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, covering essential knowledge and skills from early years through Year 6. Teachers generally possess strong subject knowledge, allowing them to deliver the curriculum effectively. They break down information into manageable steps and select suitable activities and resources. However, there are instances in the early years where staff do not always provide meaningful learning activities that align with the curriculum.
While most pupils achieve well, some do not reach their full potential due to gaps in their knowledge that are not consistently identified by teachers. Leaders have adapted the curriculum in a few subjects to cater to the modified class structure, but teachers need better tools to assess and address these gaps. The school’s performance in the 2022 key stage two assessments was below the national average, primarily due to a high number of pupils joining in Year 6. Nevertheless, most current pupils are achieving well.
Reading is a priority at Westfield Primary School, with teachers regularly reading to pupils and encouraging them to use local libraries. A new phonics program has been successfully implemented, with staff trained to deliver it consistently. Pupils receive additional support if they struggle to keep up, and older pupils read widely and fluently.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Staff are well-trained to identify these pupils and tailor their teaching strategies accordingly. Opportunities for personal development are abundant, with pupils taking on leadership roles and contributing positively to the community through fundraising and donations.
Pupils display positive attitudes towards learning, focusing well in lessons. Any disruptions are managed swiftly by staff. Attendance has improved significantly due to leaders raising its profile and implementing incentives that motivate pupils to attend regularly. Staff feel well-supported, and governors are actively involved in driving improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Westfield Primary School are effective, with staff knowledgeable about pupils and their families, enabling them to identify those at risk. Leaders ensure that pupils learn about safety, including road safety and online safety. Overall, while the school has made significant strides, there are areas for further improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential and that early years staff provide engaging learning opportunities.
