Westwood Primary School in Cambridgeshire underwent an inspection on April 25 and 26, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of requires improvement. The school, which caters to pupils aged four to eleven, has a current enrollment of 804 students and operates as an academy converter under the Elliot Foundation Academies Trust. The inspection highlighted several areas of concern across various aspects of the school's operations, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Westwood Primary School enjoy their time at the school, benefiting from a large social network and supportive adult relationships. They appreciate the assistance provided by staff in their learning, although some students, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, do not consistently receive the tailored support necessary for optimal achievement. The school has established clear behavior expectations encapsulated in the motto of being ready, respectful, and safe. While many pupils adhere to these guidelines, there are instances of poor behavior that go unchallenged by some staff, hindering the learning environment.
The curriculum has been identified by leaders, and while core subjects like mathematics are being delivered effectively, there are gaps in the implementation of foundation subjects. Staff training and assessment in these areas are not fully developed, leading to a lack of clarity in curricular goals and resulting in pupils not achieving their potential. In early years, most children make a positive start, but inconsistencies in resource delivery and curriculum implementation limit the achievements of some pupils, including those with special educational needs.
Reading instruction has seen improvements, with a systematic phonics program in place. However, for some pupils who need to catch up, the support provided is not always effective, risking further delays in their reading development. The school has made strides in ensuring that pupils understand the importance of respecting different cultures and religions, but there is still work to be done in embedding fundamental British values into the curriculum.
Attendance at the school is generally good, with leaders actively working to support families in improving attendance rates. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and know how to report concerns. The school has a dedicated team of family workers who provide tailored support to vulnerable pupils.
Despite the challenges identified, staff at Westwood Primary School express satisfaction with their working environment and appreciate the consideration given to their workload by school leaders. The trust overseeing the school demonstrates an understanding of its needs and has the capacity to support improvements effectively.
To enhance the school's performance, leaders must focus on developing curriculum planning, staff training, and assessment in foundation subjects. There is a need for higher expectations regarding the achievements of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum. Additionally, reading support for struggling pupils must be more impactful, and behavior management strategies need to be consistently applied across the school to foster a conducive learning environment. Overall, while Westwood Primary School has strengths, significant improvements are necessary to ensure all pupils can achieve their best.
