Westborough Academy, located in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, has recently undergone an inspection on 13 and 14 February 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which is part of the South East Essex Academy Trust, is led by headteacher Tonya Brook and overseen by CEO Andrew Cooper and chair of trustees Neal Misell. The inspection highlighted significant improvements since the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Westborough Academy enjoy their time at school, engaging positively with their peers during playtimes and expressing satisfaction with the changes implemented by the school. These changes have contributed to improved behavior both in classrooms and throughout the school environment. The school is committed to providing an ambitious curriculum, and in subjects where the curriculum is well-developed, pupils demonstrate enthusiasm and excitement for their learning. They show confidence in reading and can recall historical events and subject-specific vocabulary effectively.
In the early years, staff play a crucial role in guiding children to develop routines and independence. Their strong understanding of early childhood education fosters children's ability to focus during learning and play, nurturing curiosity about the world around them. Children leave the early years well-prepared for the challenges of Year 1. Outdoor learning experiences, such as bushcraft activities, further enhance pupils' learning by teaching them practical skills in a safe environment.
The school has made extensive efforts to develop its curriculum, supported by the trust. Teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, enabling pupils to remember key concepts and skills. For instance, Year 5 pupils learned various stitches before applying this knowledge to create stuffed toys. The school sets high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, providing necessary adjustments to ensure they can learn alongside their peers.
While some staff are new to leadership roles, they are receiving valuable support to enhance their skills. This includes guidance on curriculum monitoring and development. The school has fostered a positive reading culture, beginning in the early years with engaging storybook reading and a structured phonics curriculum. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, ensuring pupils read books that align with their phonetic knowledge, which aids in developing fluency and expression.
Pupils also benefit from a well-established personal, social, health, and economic curriculum, which teaches them about online safety and healthy relationships. Opportunities for leadership roles instill a sense of responsibility and empathy in pupils, who actively contribute to their school community. They demonstrate kindness and respect towards one another and are eager to engage with adults. When pupils struggle to meet expectations, they receive support to help them regulate their behavior and return to learning.
The school has successfully improved attendance levels through effective collaboration with families, allowing pupils to build on their learning consistently. Staff in the early years are skilled in expanding children's vocabulary and communication skills, engaging them in songs and rhymes to practice pronunciation and counting.
Governors have received training to understand their roles effectively, providing support and challenge to school leaders. They take pride in their responsibilities and actively monitor the school's impact. Staff feel supported in managing their workload and well-being, contributing to the school's development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Westborough Academy are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, curriculum leaders who are new to their roles are still refining their subjects, which may lead to some staff lacking clarity on the content to be taught. Continued training and support from leaders and the trust are essential to strengthen the curriculum and maximize pupil achievement.
