Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Westfield Community Primary School on 26 February 2019, following its previous judgment of good in June 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under Mr. Tim Bowden since September 2017, has fostered a positive culture with high expectations for both staff and pupils. The team has effectively supported teachers in developing their skills and has established strong teamwork throughout the school. The senior leadership has quickly implemented effective systems for monitoring teaching and learning.
The school has addressed areas for improvement identified in the last inspection, particularly focusing on increasing the number of pupils exceeding expected standards by the end of Year 6. Governors demonstrate a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses and share the ambition for further development. Plans are in place for potential expansion and relocation to a new site.
Pupils at Westfield Community Primary School are enthusiastic ambassadors for their school, expressing happiness about their work and the supportive environment. The school promotes a strong sense of community, with pupils describing their experience as being part of a big family. The school has maintained its focus on addressing pupils’ social needs alongside their academic development, which is a notable strength. Parents have reported positive changes in the school over the past 18 months and are eager to support their children’s learning.
Staff encourage pupils to take responsibility, with the school council providing a platform for student voices. Pupils engage in various roles, such as green ambassadors and play leaders, fostering a sense of community involvement. The school environment is characterized by smiling faces and a wide range of extracurricular activities that enhance learning experiences, particularly in art, music, and sport. Pupils have shown particular interest in learning Italian, and staff model values of tolerance, respect, and kindness.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety throughout the school. Staff are well-trained and prioritize safeguarding, demonstrating diligence in identifying concerns. Pupils are knowledgeable about e-safety and feel comfortable discussing any worries with staff, who are responsive to their needs.
The inspection focused on several key areas, including pupils’ progress in reading, which has improved significantly. The teaching of reading is prioritized, and additional support is provided to those at risk of falling behind. However, there are still challenges in meeting the needs of the most able pupils, as some lessons do not advance their learning quickly enough. The quality of teaching is generally effective for less-able pupils and those with special educational needs.
The inspection also evaluated early years provision, particularly outdoor learning, which has improved significantly since the last report. Children in the Reception class are happy and making good progress, benefiting from well-resourced outdoor areas and engaging activities.
In terms of the curriculum, there are inconsistencies in the quality of work in subjects like science, history, and geography. While some classes demonstrate high-quality work, others lack sufficient depth in coverage. Additionally, pupils’ handwriting and presentation of work require improvement.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with pupils being friendly and eager to learn. The school has effective systems in place to address any instances of bullying, which are reported to be rare. Overall, the school is encouraged to ensure that teaching responds promptly to the needs of the most able pupils, improve the presentation of work, and provide more detailed coverage in history and geography to enhance pupils’ skills and understanding.
