Willow Grove Primary School is a welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and engaged. The school provides opportunities for students to socialize and have breakfast upon arrival, which prepares them for a productive day of learning. Despite disruptions in education that have affected many students, the staff at Willow Grove Primary offer tailored support to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. As a result, students generally achieve well across various subjects.
The expectations for pupil behavior are high, and students typically respond positively, demonstrating good behavior in lessons and throughout the school. Respect among peers and staff is common, and most pupils remain attentive during lessons. The school fosters a sense of safety, with pupils forming positive relationships with one another and with staff. On the rare occasions when bullying occurs, it is addressed effectively by the staff, ensuring that pupils know whom to approach if they have concerns.
Personal development is a key focus for the school's leadership. Pupils have access to a diverse range of activities, including swimming, talent competitions, and educational trips, which broaden their experiences and enhance their confidence. Students take pride in participating in charitable activities and enjoy responsibilities such as being school councillors or members of the eco-committee. Older pupils also engage in mentoring younger students, particularly in sports.
The school leadership aims for pupils to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. They have implemented a broad and engaging curriculum that supports these goals. In most subjects, the knowledge to be learned is clearly defined and logically sequenced, allowing pupils to build on their existing knowledge. However, in a few subjects, the clarity of what pupils should learn is less defined, which can hinder teachers' ability to deliver the curriculum effectively. This may result in some pupils missing essential knowledge that is crucial for their future learning.
Teachers generally deliver the curriculum effectively, utilizing assessment strategies to gauge pupil understanding and address misconceptions. Subject leaders have received training to enhance their leadership skills, but in some areas, they do not conduct thorough enough checks to ensure consistent delivery of the curriculum. This inconsistency can lead to gaps in pupils' understanding in certain subjects.
The school prioritizes the identification of pupils' changing needs and provides teachers with guidance on how to support these needs. Specialist support is available when necessary, including assistance from educational psychologists and speech and language therapists. Recognizing that many pupils arrive with gaps in their reading knowledge, the school has made reading a priority. Pupils receive appropriate support to help them catch up, and there is a strong emphasis on vocabulary development. Most pupils effectively use their phonics knowledge to read unfamiliar words, and reading materials are well-matched to their learning levels.
The school has established clear routines for behavior management, and staff are skilled in supporting pupils who have experienced trauma. They take prompt action to address challenging behavior, allowing pupils to focus on their learning. Over time, pupils' behavior improves significantly.
The emotional and mental health needs of pupils are prioritized, with a well-structured personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum that is implemented effectively. This curriculum allows for flexibility to address relevant issues as they arise. Pupils learn about budgeting, cooking, and respect for different cultures and religions, fostering an inclusive environment.
Staff at Willow Grove Primary enjoy their work and appreciate the support from colleagues and leadership. They feel that their workload is considered, and they receive valuable training to enhance their subject knowledge. Governors effectively fulfill their roles, providing both challenge and support to the school's leadership. Parents express positive feedback regarding the school's impact on their children's behavior, both in school and at home. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong culture of safety and effective training for staff to recognize and respond to potential concerns.
