Willow Tree Primary School in Salford, Lancashire, has recently undergone an inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024, resulting in a positive evaluation across various aspects of its educational provision. The school has been rated as good in the quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, while behaviour and attitudes have been deemed outstanding. The school has maintained a good rating since its previous inspection in June 2019.
Pupils at Willow Tree Primary School exhibit commendable behaviour, demonstrating politeness, charisma, and friendliness. They engage confidently with visitors and participate in thoughtful conversations, reflecting their enjoyment of school life. The school fosters a focused and driven environment aimed at providing high-quality education, which is evident in the academic achievements of its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school’s commitment to high aspirations is reflected in the positive social development of its students.
The school has implemented a well-structured curriculum that allows pupils to build a rich body of knowledge from the early years through to Year 6. Teachers generally possess the necessary expertise to deliver the curriculum effectively, resulting in strong progress for pupils, particularly those with special educational needs. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the teaching of handwriting, where clarity on specific knowledge and skills is needed to ensure pupils become competent writers.
While staff typically monitor pupil learning effectively, there are instances where mistakes in written work, especially in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, are not adequately addressed. This oversight can lead to some pupils continuing to make avoidable errors. The school is encouraged to enhance its approach to identifying and correcting these misunderstandings to improve overall writing proficiency.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with children in the early years engaging with key texts and developing essential pre-reading skills. The school ensures that pupils who struggle with reading receive the necessary support to catch up, fostering a love for reading across all year groups. The positive atmosphere within the school is further enhanced by the exemplary behaviour of pupils, who are respectful and supportive of one another, creating a sense of community.
The school has made significant strides in improving attendance, effectively reducing the number of pupils who are persistently absent. Attendance is prioritized, and the school provides appropriate support to families to maintain high attendance levels. The personal development programme equips pupils with essential life skills, preparing them for modern British society. Initiatives such as studying engineering at a nearby university and engaging in community service projects further enrich the pupils' educational experience.
Governance at Willow Tree Primary School is strong, with governors demonstrating a thorough understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. They provide effective support and challenge to the school leadership. The well-being of staff is also prioritized, with measures in place to manage workload effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Willow Tree Primary School is committed to continuous improvement, with a clear focus on enhancing the educational experience for its pupils while addressing areas that require further development. The school’s dedication to fostering a positive learning environment is evident in the high levels of pupil engagement and achievement.
