Henry Whipple Primary School, located in Bestwood, Nottingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 3 and 4, 2024. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with pupils, staff, and governors sharing a common ambition encapsulated in the motto Believe, Belong, and Achieve. This ethos is evident in the pride pupils take in their diverse backgrounds and the celebration of different cultures through events like diversity days. The school effectively teaches British values, which pupils refer to as Global Values, emphasizing their universal importance.
The behavior of pupils is exemplary, reflecting the school's high expectations. They treat each other and adults with respect and courtesy, and there is a clear understanding of the school's behavior management strategies. Bullying is reported to be rare, and pupils are vigilant against any form of negative behavior, including what they identify as disguised bullying. Leadership opportunities abound for pupils, who enthusiastically engage in roles such as well-being leaders, reading champions, and ECO leaders, contributing positively to the school environment.
The curriculum at Henry Whipple Primary School is designed to foster personal, social, and academic development, aligning with the school's core principles. The school emphasizes experiential learning through various activities that extend beyond the classroom, helping to enhance pupils' cultural capital. A robust personal, social, and health education curriculum prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, while a strong focus on reading ensures that pupils understand its significance. The phonics program is well-structured and effectively taught, enabling early readers to develop a solid foundation.
While the curriculum is generally well-planned and sequenced, there are minor gaps in clarity regarding the content pupils are expected to learn in a few subjects. This has led to some inconsistencies in knowledge retention among pupils. The early years curriculum is well-constructed, promoting independence and excitement for learning, although there are areas where milestones for progress could be more clearly defined.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with adaptations made to ensure they can access the same learning opportunities as their peers. However, some targets set for these pupils lack precision, which can hinder clear progress tracking.
Leadership at all levels is strong, with clear roles and responsibilities. The school's vision is well understood and consistently applied, and there is an accurate assessment of its strengths and areas for improvement. While most parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, a small number have concerns regarding the provision for pupils with SEND and overall leadership. The school acknowledges the need to address these concerns to ensure a uniformly positive perception among all parents.
The safeguarding arrangements at Henry Whipple Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to maintaining high standards and its proactive approach to continuous improvement. Overall, Henry Whipple Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a strong foundation for future growth and development.
