Whittlefield Primary School, located in Burnley, Lancashire, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The inspection took place on December 13 and 14, 2022. Pupils, including those in the early years, express enjoyment in attending school, arriving each morning with excitement and feeling warmly welcomed by the staff. There is a strong sense of belonging within the school community, and pupils report that staff genuinely care for their well-being, contributing to a happy and safe environment.
The school takes bullying seriously, and pupils are confident that any incidents will be addressed swiftly and effectively. Leaders at Whittlefield Primary School have high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Overall, pupils learn well, and early years children are well-prepared for the transition to Year 1.
Behaviour expectations are high, and pupils consistently meet these standards, demonstrating kindness to both adults and peers. They appreciate the recognition they receive for positive behaviour, such as being featured on shout-out boards in classrooms. Year 6 pupils take their responsibilities seriously, supporting younger children during break and lunch times as play leaders. Pupils also enjoy participating in extra-curricular activities, particularly tag rugby and gardening club.
While the school has made significant progress, there are areas for improvement. Leaders are currently revising the subject curriculums, having identified essential knowledge for pupils to learn. However, in a few subjects, the refinements are incomplete, which can hinder pupils from building on their knowledge effectively. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, frequently checking for understanding and addressing misconceptions promptly. This approach ensures that pupils retain and build upon their learning over time.
Pupils exhibit a genuine love for reading, often expressing enthusiasm about the books they encounter in class. The school has implemented a phonics program, with regular training provided to staff to ensure effective delivery. Pupils read books that align with the sounds they have learned, and teachers monitor their reading progress closely, offering support to those who may fall behind.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs, providing the necessary support for them to learn alongside their peers. Positive relationships between pupils and staff foster a calm and focused learning environment, minimizing disruptions caused by poor behaviour. Attendance rates are generally good, although a minority of pupils do not attend as regularly as they should, which can impact their learning.
Governors play an active role in holding school leaders accountable for the quality of education provided. Staff members report feeling valued, as leaders consider their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential harm and to report concerns diligently. Leaders act swiftly on safeguarding issues, ensuring that pupils and their families receive appropriate support.
To enhance the school's performance, leaders need to complete the curriculum design in a small number of subjects to ensure all pupils learn effectively. Additionally, addressing attendance issues for the minority of pupils who do not attend regularly is crucial for their academic success. Overall, Whittlefield Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
