Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Willowbrook School on October 5, 2023, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made by the school since its last graded inspection. The inspection involved discussions with the headteacher, senior leaders, governors, staff, and representatives from the local authority, as well as observations of lessons and reviews of student work and school documentation.
The findings indicate that while progress has been made, further work is necessary for the school to achieve a good rating. The school has implemented a new reading program aimed at improving literacy among younger students, but it requires careful tracking to ensure that all pupils develop their reading skills effectively. The school has partnered with external organizations to prioritize actions for improvement, focusing particularly on the quality of education in mathematics and English.
The mathematics and English curriculums have been sequenced effectively from early years to Year 6, ensuring consistency in the learning process. Teachers are identifying areas where pupils need improvement, and students are encouraged to correct their mistakes. The school has also addressed gaps in the mathematics curriculum, leading to successful learning of number facts. However, progress in key stage 1 has been slower than expected, partly due to staffing instability in some classes, which has hindered rapid improvement.
The phonics reading program was previously ineffective, but with external support, the school has revised its approach. All staff are now trained to deliver the new program, and additional phonics lessons are provided for students who need extra help. While the school is closely monitoring pupil progress, it is still too early to determine the effectiveness of the new reading program.
The school has made strides in adapting learning for pupils with complex needs, including the establishment of a specialist area known as the 'pod' to provide targeted support. The governing body has also improved its oversight by developing skills to ask challenging questions and holding the school accountable for its improvement efforts. Changes in the leadership structure have clarified roles and responsibilities, contributing to a more effective monitoring and communication system.
The school has collaborated with the local authority to manage staffing challenges in key stage 1, and there is a positive outlook regarding the impact of these external partnerships. Overall, while there are areas of progress, the school must continue to address the challenges it faces, particularly in ensuring that all pupils, especially those in key stage 1, receive the support they need to succeed. The commitment to improvement is evident, but sustained effort will be required to achieve the desired outcomes for all students. The inspection highlights the importance of ongoing evaluation and adaptation of strategies to ensure that the school can provide a high-quality education for its pupils.
