Morecambe and Heysham Westgate Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 May 2024

This is a welcoming school that provides a caring and inclusive place for pupils to learn. Staff in the early years help children to develop their confidence and self- esteem. Pupils across the school value the positive relationships that they have with staff. They trust that staff will help them if they have any worries or concerns. This helps pupils to feel happy at school. Pupils generally work hard in lessons and enjoy their learning. Many pupils meet the high standards of behaviour that the school has. The school is ambitious for all pupils to achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). However, a number of pupils have gaps in their knowledge that have not been addressed. This means that these pupils do not achieve as well as they should in a range of subjects. Pupils value the opportunities that they have to go on a range of trips. These include visiting the beach, wetland centres and museums. The school ensures that many pupils access the broad range of sports clubs that it offers. Nevertheless, a number of teachers are inconsistent in how they deliver the school's programme for personal development. Pupils are not as well prepared for life in modern Britain as they should be.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects across the school, a small number of teachers do not have the subject knowledge that they need to teach the intended curriculum effectively. Consequently, in these subjects, some pupils do not build up a deep body of knowledge. The school should make sure that teachers have the knowledge that they need to effectively teach the curriculum, so that pupils achieve well.
• In some subjects, teachers do not teach parts of the essential knowledge set out in the curriculum in sufficient depth. As a result, some pupils' knowledge is insecure. The school should make certain that teachers deliver the curriculum as intended, so that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of education.
• In some subjects, teachers do not check how well pupils have remembered and understood what they have been previously taught. Some pupils have gaps in their knowledge that have not been identified. These gaps hinder their ability to make sense of new learning and they do not achieve as well as they could. The school should ensure that teachers are well equipped to check that pupils' knowledge is secure before introducing new topics and concepts.
• The delivery of the school's programme for personal development is inconsistent. Some pupils do not learn all that they should to be ready for life in modern Britain. The school should ensure that pupils experience a range of high-quality personal development opportunities that prepare them well for modern day society.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)