Westlands Community Primary School in Chelmsford, Essex, was inspected on October 9 and 10, 2019, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has demonstrated a commitment to providing a high-quality education, with particular strengths in early years provision, which was rated as outstanding. Pupils at the school enjoy their learning experiences and take pride in their achievements. The staff effectively address the academic, social, and emotional needs of the students, fostering a positive learning environment where pupils feel happy and understand the importance of education.
The school emphasizes the well-being of all its members, creating a calm and caring atmosphere. Strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a positive school culture, where good behavior is the norm. Pupils are focused on their learning, and incidents of bullying are rare, with students expressing confidence in the school's ability to handle any issues that arise. The school community values diversity, with pupils showing interest in each other's cultural backgrounds and languages.
Since the last inspection, school leaders have worked on enhancing the curriculum beyond English and mathematics. Progress has been made, particularly in science, where pupils engage in exciting investigations that deepen their understanding of scientific concepts. However, some subjects, such as history, require clearer guidance for teachers regarding essential knowledge and skills that pupils should acquire. This inconsistency can lead to gaps in what pupils learn.
Reading is a significant focus at Westlands, with efforts made to instill a love of reading from an early age. Most pupils develop strong reading skills, although there are concerns regarding the consistency of phonics instruction in key stage two, particularly for those who struggle with reading. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensure that all pupils achieve the necessary reading proficiency.
The school has made notable improvements in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers include these pupils in all aspects of the curriculum and provide effective support tailored to their needs. As a result, many of these pupils are catching up academically.
While pupils generally behave well in lessons, there are instances when activities do not align with their needs, leading to distractions. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, where pupils can develop their skills and participate in competitions. The school has received recognition for its achievements in sports, including the gold standard of the national School Games Mark.
Staff at Westlands are dedicated and proud to work at the school. They appreciate the training and development opportunities provided by leaders, as well as the emphasis on their well-being. The school has established strong partnerships with parents, particularly in the early years, where staff engage with families to support children's learning.
Governors are actively involved in the school's development, sharing the vision to enhance the educational experience for all pupils. They are aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that disadvantaged pupils receive the necessary support to succeed.
The safeguarding arrangements at Westlands are effective, with all staff prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Leaders work closely with external agencies to provide additional support for vulnerable students. Overall, Westlands Community Primary School is a nurturing environment that promotes learning and personal development, with clear areas identified for further improvement in curriculum planning and phonics instruction.
