Westhouses Primary School, located in Alfreton, Derbyshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on the 21st and 22nd of September 2022, marking a significant improvement from its previous grade of requires improvement. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and proud to be part of the Westhouses family. The positive atmosphere is reflected in the behavior of the students, who demonstrate good conduct and a clear understanding of bullying and how to address it. Classrooms are calm and conducive to learning, while the playground serves as an active space for social interaction and physical activities, including initiatives led by 'Mini Leaders' to promote fitness.
The leadership at Westhouses Primary School sets high expectations for all pupils, instilling values such as determination, respect, and teamwork. Parents and carers express appreciation for the dedication of the staff, noting the supportive environment that fosters their children's happiness and learning. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with clear objectives for what pupils need to learn as they progress through the school. Subject plans are designed to build knowledge and skills incrementally, emphasizing vocabulary development through tools like 'Vocabulary Pyramids.' This approach has proven effective, as evidenced by older pupils articulating complex scientific concepts with confidence.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully integrated into the curriculum. Reading instruction begins in the Reception year, with a consistent phonics program that supports language development. Teachers actively monitor pupil progress and provide timely support to help them stay on track. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in making explicit connections between current learning and prior knowledge in some subjects. This gap can hinder pupils' ability to recall past learning and apply it effectively.
Pupils at Westhouses exhibit polite and confident behavior, demonstrating positive attitudes towards their education and peers. The school places a strong emphasis on attendance, with leaders closely monitoring absence rates and addressing any issues promptly. Additional responsibilities are offered to pupils, such as roles in mental health and well-being initiatives, which empower them to contribute to the school community. While pupils show respect and tolerance, their understanding of equality and the protected characteristics is limited, indicating a need for enhanced education in this area to better prepare them for modern British society.
Governance at Westhouses is effective, with governors possessing a clear vision for the school and an understanding of its strengths and areas for development. They prioritize staff well-being and workload, ensuring that teachers receive the necessary support to fulfill their responsibilities. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff receiving regular training and updates to ensure pupil safety and welfare. The school actively teaches pupils about online safety and encourages them to seek help from trusted adults when needed.
In summary, Westhouses Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, achieving a good rating across various aspects of education and leadership. The school fosters a supportive and engaging environment for pupils, with a strong curriculum and dedicated staff. However, there are opportunities for further improvement, particularly in linking learning across subjects and enhancing pupils' understanding of equality.
