Westwood Primary School, located in Lowestoft, Suffolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 1 and 2, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils take pride in their institution and demonstrate respect towards each other and visitors. The ethos of inclusivity is evident, with students expressing that everyone is welcome and can be whoever they want to be. Leadership roles among pupils, such as caring for the school’s hens or serving as sports leaders, are taken seriously, and students enjoy sharing their experiences in class and assemblies.
Behavior at Westwood Primary is commendable, with pupils displaying good manners and cooperation, even among the youngest children. They are eager to excel and appreciate recognition for their hard work. The school encourages a love for learning, with students expressing enthusiasm for challenges and being able to connect their learning to real-life experiences, such as visits to local attractions.
The school has implemented a well-structured curriculum that covers a broad range of subjects, ensuring that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for secondary education. There is a strong emphasis on language and vocabulary development, which is crucial for understanding new concepts. Staff members have received high-quality training and collaborate with a partner school to enhance their subject knowledge. Lessons are consistently well-structured, with teachers effectively linking new learning to previous knowledge, which aids retention and application in more complex tasks.
Reading is a central focus at Westwood Primary, with a new phonics scheme being taught effectively. Pupils are provided with books that match their learning levels, and additional support is available for those who need it. The school promotes a culture of discussion around reading, encouraging pupils to express their thoughts and check for understanding.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Staff are well-trained to support these pupils, using various strategies to help them succeed. However, some subjects, such as design and technology and art, are still in the early stages of development, with staff requiring further training to deliver these areas confidently.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior both in the classroom and on the playground, with minor issues being promptly addressed by adults. The school provides a variety of cultural, social, and religious experiences, which pupils find exciting and enriching. Despite efforts to improve attendance, there remains a group of pupils with persistently high absence rates, which leaders have not addressed with sufficient urgency.
The local governing body effectively fulfills its statutory roles, particularly in monitoring the quality of education and safeguarding. However, there is a need for improved oversight regarding attendance issues. The inspector noted that the school should focus on enhancing the quality of education in areas where implementation is still developing and adopt more rigorous strategies to address persistent absence.
The arrangements for safeguarding at Westwood Primary are effective, with leaders ensuring that all concerns are recorded and reported appropriately. Staff receive regular training and are well-informed about potential risks to pupils. Overall, Westwood Primary School continues to provide a supportive and engaging learning environment, with areas identified for further improvement to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
