Whitemoor Academy, located in Nottingham, has been rated as a good school following its inspection on November 23 and 24, 2022. The school serves pupils aged three to eleven and has a total enrollment of 430 students. The inspection highlighted several strengths, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good.
Pupils at Whitemoor Academy enjoy attending school, with improving attendance rates and punctuality. They demonstrate positive relationships with one another, ensuring inclusivity and respect among peers and staff. While instances of bullying do occur, they are addressed promptly when reported. The school fosters a culture where pupils understand the importance of striving to be their best selves, which is reflected in their conduct throughout the school environment.
The curriculum is well-structured, beginning with the early years, where leaders assess children's prior knowledge and plan engaging activities that promote development. Children are encouraged to practice literacy and numeracy skills, and they leave the early years well-prepared for Year 1. A strong emphasis is placed on reading, with children learning letters and sounds from the outset. Staff are well-trained and use consistent routines to support pupils in reading unfamiliar words. However, some pupils in the early stages of reading do not receive enough practice with adults, which hinders their progress.
Teachers model reading aloud effectively, enhancing pupils' expression and intonation. Pupils enjoy selecting books from various genres and cultures, although there is still work to be done to cultivate a widespread love for reading among all students. The curriculum is organized logically, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge, but some find the work too easy and lacking in challenge.
While teachers possess strong subject knowledge, there are instances where they do not employ the most effective teaching methods, making it difficult for pupils to grasp new concepts. Additionally, pupils do not always have sufficient time to reflect on and improve their work based on teacher feedback. The school pays close attention to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access learning and follow tailored programs.
The personal development program is comprehensive, exposing pupils to various faiths and cultures and teaching them about mental and physical well-being. Staff members express satisfaction with their roles, appreciating the support from leaders in managing their workload. Recent changes in school and trust leadership have brought new trustees who are quickly learning about the school and its community, providing appropriate support and challenge to improve the institution.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of abuse and understand the importance of reporting concerns. The school is currently reviewing individual risk assessments to ensure clarity in safeguarding actions.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that all pupils, particularly those in the early stages of reading, receive adequate practice to become confident and fluent readers. The implementation of the curriculum must be more consistent, allowing pupils sufficient time to respond to feedback and secure their knowledge. Additionally, the curriculum should be ambitious enough to challenge all pupils, ensuring they make the progress they are capable of achieving. Overall, Whitemoor Academy is a caring and aspirational school that provides a solid foundation for its pupils while identifying areas for growth.
