Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Westglade Primary School on 14 May 2019, following its previous judgment of good in January 2016. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the effective guidance of Headteacher Jo Keely, has successfully navigated the challenges posed by high levels of disadvantage in the local community. The school is characterized by a friendly atmosphere where pupils make good progress, and there is a strong expectation that they will achieve standards in reading, writing, and mathematics comparable to their peers nationally.
Staff morale is notably high, with teachers expressing pride in their work and appreciating the support provided for their professional development and well-being. The school environment is stimulating and celebrates learning across the curriculum. Parents have expressed their satisfaction with the school, highlighting the friendliness and professionalism of the staff. The inspection noted several areas of improvement since the last inspection, including stronger leadership in key subject areas, the establishment of identified leaders for all subjects, and improved systems for monitoring teaching quality.
Pupils enjoy school and demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning, contributing to their strong progress. Their behavior has improved, and they interact well with each other and the staff. The school has a significant proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and the strategies in place to support these pupils have been effective. The school has made good use of the pupil premium funding to ensure that disadvantaged pupils also make strong progress, with their attainment now close to the national average.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils. Staff are well-trained to identify and address any concerns, and there is proactive engagement with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils. Pupils report feeling safe and supported in school, particularly those with emotional and behavioral needs.
The inspection highlighted the need for continued focus on improving reading outcomes, particularly in extending pupils' vocabulary and increasing their reading time at home. In writing, the school has seen improvements, with above-average proportions of pupils meeting expected standards. Effective training and support for teachers have contributed to this progress. Mathematics teaching is also strong, with pupils making above-average progress, although some still struggle with retaining key concepts as they advance through the school.
The early years provision has been prioritized to improve outcomes for boys, who typically start with lower skills than girls. Activities are carefully planned to enhance their development across all areas of learning. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of their starting points, achieve their potential and are well-prepared for the next stages of their education.
In summary, Westglade Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with effective leadership, strong staff morale, and a supportive environment for pupils. The school is focused on addressing areas for improvement, particularly in reading and mathematics, to ensure that all pupils achieve their best. The commitment to safeguarding and the well-being of pupils is evident, contributing to a positive school culture.
