West Cliff Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 April 2022

There are high expectations for pupils at West Cliff. Pupils are polite to teachers, visitors and to each other. They behave well in lessons, in the dining hall and at playtime. Pupils know what bullying is. They say it sometimes happens but teachers always deal with it. This school is extremely inclusive. Pupils who attend 'the rockpool' for help with their social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) are supported by patient, attentive and skilled staff. Pupils have a good understanding of how to stay safe online. This is important as they all use school iPads. This was a huge benefit during both national lockdowns as every pupil could access the school's remote learning offer. Leaders develop pupils' character through the school's 'tame a tiger' programme. Pupils and staff set themselves a personal challenge each year, like learning to roller skate or running a marathon. This supports pupils' self-confidence, resilience and self-esteem. There are lots of extra-curricular clubs on offer to pupils. Some are after school; some are at lunchtime. This ensures that all pupils can attend if they want to. Pupils enjoy working on Dorothy the school bus. This double decker bus is parked on the school playground and used daily for teaching, intervention or therapy sessions.

What the school should improve

• Most subjects are well sequenced in their curriculum structure and thinking. However, some subjects are still in development. All subjects should set out the specific knowledge pupils need. This will ensure that the curriculum is always building on what pupils already know from Nursery to Year 6.
• Teachers and subject leaders are not using the assessment system in some subject areas effectively. Assessment is not impacting on curriculum thinking. It is not used in some subjects to check what knowledge pupils have retained. Leaders will need to follow through with their plans to use it more effectively. This will identify gaps in pupil's learning and speed up curriculum refinement.
• Pupils found it difficult to talk with confidence about British values. Leaders should review their PSHE curriculum to ensure that it includes more lessons about British values. This will help to prepare pupils more effectively for life in Britain.

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