Westcliffe Primary School, located in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on November 1 and 2, 2022. The school provides a warm and welcoming environment for its community, where pupils, staff, and parents feel comfortable. Strong relationships are evident among pupils and staff, fostering a culture of respect and tolerance. Pupils demonstrate maturity in their interactions and have a solid understanding of important concepts such as identity and the rule of law.
The school has high expectations for its pupils, starting from the early years. Children in Nursery are taught essential skills such as taking turns and using equipment independently. This foundation supports good behavior throughout the school, as staff clearly communicate rules and celebrate pupils' achievements through various recognition systems. Pupils feel supported by their teachers, particularly when addressing concerns such as bullying, and they trust that any issues will be resolved promptly.
Pupils enjoy reading and take pride in borrowing books from the library, demonstrating a love for literature that persists even as they progress through the school. The leadership team understands the individual needs of each pupil and is committed to ensuring that they acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for success in secondary school. Reading and communication are prioritized in the curriculum, with a structured approach to phonics that begins in the early years. This systematic teaching helps pupils develop confidence in their reading abilities.
The curriculum is well-planned across subjects, allowing pupils to build knowledge and improve their skills. However, some areas lack precision, leading to occasional confusion among teachers regarding the specific knowledge pupils should learn. This can result in assignments that do not effectively reinforce important information. Vocabulary instruction is a strength, with teachers helping pupils expand their language skills for both writing and speaking.
Teachers employ effective techniques to aid memory retention, such as partner work and the use of resources in mathematics. They are attentive to pupils' understanding and provide additional support when needed. The early years curriculum has seen improvements, with staff clearly understanding the learning objectives across various areas. Children engage well in their learning activities, and staff actively promote language development through questioning and modeling.
The school is inclusive, providing necessary support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers ensure that reading and writing do not hinder these pupils' learning experiences. The school community is characterized by strong relationships, with staff feeling welcomed and supported. Governors play an active role in monitoring school performance, although there is a tendency to focus on test results rather than the curriculum's content.
Attendance is closely monitored, with leaders tracking individual pupils and offering support to those with low attendance. The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, fostering strong relationships with the community. Parents feel comfortable approaching the school for assistance, and staff are well-trained to recognize and address safeguarding concerns. Pupils receive education on online safety and healthy relationships, equipping them with essential skills for their future.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the precision of its curriculum planning, ensuring that all key knowledge components are clearly defined for teachers. Leaders and governors should prioritize curriculum development over merely analyzing test results, focusing on the quality of education and what pupils retain. Overall, Westcliffe Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
