Westfield Junior School, located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, underwent an inspection on October 26 and 27, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also marked as requiring improvement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development. This inspection marked a decline from the previous inspection in March 2017, where the school was rated as good.
Pupils at Westfield Junior School express a strong sense of belonging and enjoyment in their school environment. They benefit from supportive relationships with peers and staff, and the school promotes a set of values known as the Super Six, which underpin the community ethos. Students are encouraged to look after one another, adhere to school rules, and engage in positive behaviors. They report feeling safe and comfortable discussing any concerns with staff, highlighting the rarity of bullying incidents.
The school has made strides in enhancing the curriculum, with leaders implementing a new curriculum in September 2022 that outlines the knowledge and skills pupils need to acquire. In subjects like mathematics, clear guidance is provided, allowing teachers to build on students' prior knowledge effectively. However, there are inconsistencies in how the curriculum is delivered across different subjects, and some subject leaders lack the necessary oversight to ensure all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, are supported adequately.
Pupils are actively involved in various responsibilities, such as being litter pickers and reading ambassadors, and they enjoy extracurricular activities like cooking and clay modeling. The school fosters a love of reading, providing regular opportunities for pupils to engage with literature and authors, which contributes to their enthusiasm for reading.
While the school has established a positive environment with good behavior and respectful interactions among pupils, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to enhance their guidance for adapting provisions for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that the curriculum is tailored to meet individual needs effectively. Additionally, some subject leaders require further training to support their colleagues in delivering the curriculum effectively.
The school’s approach to safeguarding is robust, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. Pupils are educated about safety, including online safety, and understand the importance of reporting any issues to trusted adults. However, there is a need for a deeper understanding of fundamental British values and diverse cultures among pupils to better prepare them for life in modern Britain.
Overall, while Westfield Junior School has made positive changes and has a supportive community, it faces challenges in ensuring consistent delivery of the curriculum and adequately supporting all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs. The leadership team is aware of these challenges and is committed to making further improvements to enhance the educational experience for all students. The school community, including staff and governors, is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally.
