Willoughby Primary School, located in Willoughby-on-the-Wolds, Loughborough, has undergone an inspection that highlights its overall effectiveness as good. The school has maintained a good standard in various areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Previously, the school was rated outstanding in its last inspection in December 2006 and was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020 due to this high rating.
From the outset, pupils at Willoughby Primary School feel valued and special. The school fosters a sense of community, where traditions such as making spider biscuits in Reception and receiving memory books upon graduation are cherished by students. The small size of the school allows for close relationships among pupils and staff, contributing to a supportive environment where conflicts are resolved promptly, and bullying is addressed effectively. Parents express satisfaction with their children's eagerness to attend school and the support they receive from teachers when facing challenges.
The school is committed to providing a strong foundation for its pupils. Staff engage with incoming students before they start school, ensuring a smooth transition. Expectations for learning have been raised, particularly in the early years, where children are encouraged to expand their vocabulary and engage in counting activities. The phonics curriculum has been revised to ensure that pupils quickly learn letter sounds, and reading materials are well-aligned with their learning levels. Teachers are attentive to students' progress, addressing any misconceptions immediately.
While the school has made significant strides in improving its curriculum, there are areas that require further development. Leaders are working to enhance the curriculum to ensure that pupils retain knowledge over time. In some subjects, the clarity of what students are expected to learn and how it builds on prior knowledge is still being refined. Pupils in key stage one engage in comparative learning about toys from the past, but there is a need for more consistent reinforcement of previously learned material.
Pupils describe the school as a close-knit family, enjoying collaborative activities such as school trips and nativity productions. They take pride in their responsibilities, such as participating in the school council and engaging in charitable initiatives. The school promotes respect and tolerance, encouraging students to learn about diverse cultures and beliefs, although there is room for improvement in recalling information about different faiths.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority, with staff ensuring that these students have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Parents feel well-informed about their children's progress, and the school has maintained communication during the pandemic, ensuring continuity in learning.
Governors actively monitor the effectiveness of changes implemented by school leaders, who prioritize staff training and well-being. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with regular lessons on safety and online awareness for pupils. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to concerns regarding child welfare, and parents feel supported during challenging times.
To further enhance the school's performance, leaders must continue to refine the curriculum, ensuring that key knowledge is clearly identified and sequenced across all subjects. Regular reviews of the early years and phonics curriculum will help deepen staff subject knowledge and improve student outcomes. Overall, Willoughby Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
