Westbrook Lane Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 March 2026

Leaders have a clear, inclusive vision. The whole school community lives and breathes the school’s values of ‘caring hearts, curious minds, confident individuals’. Pupils develop positive relationships with adults and each other in an environment where they are nurtured. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive caring, individualised support that enables them to participate meaningfully in school life. Pupils’ achievement is not consistently secure. Too many pupils do not demonstrate the subject knowledge they need across the curriculum. Some have gaps in what they know and remember, which hinders their achievement. This is particularly the case for pupils gaining important basic skills in writing. As a result, pupils are not as well prepared for their next steps as they could be. The quality of teaching is variable. In some lessons, where teaching is effective, pupils revisit prior learning and build their knowledge over time. In other lessons, pupils’ focus can wane as a result of activities or teaching that is not sufficiently engaging or where explanations lack clarity. Pupils enjoy school. In the early years, children typically listen attentively, express their ideas and undertake activities with concentration and independence. They play and learn together in an engaging environment. Older pupils participate in a number of leadership roles, such as buddies and membership of the school council and eco-committee. They enjoy attending clubs and enrichment experiences such as residential visits or attendance at a singing festival. Rates of attendance compare well with national averages. When this is not the case, the school works successfully and with urgency alongside families to address any barriers. Pupils' behaviour is generally calm and orderly, with clear expectations that permeate throughout the school. They typically demonstrate positive attitudes to school. Pupils feel safe. They know that adults will deal swiftly with rare instances of bullying. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe online. They are well prepared for later life in wider British society.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is taught consistently well across all subjects, including early writing, so that pupils secure knowledge over time and are well prepared for their next steps.
• Leaders should ensure that assessment is used systematically to track and monitor pupils’ progress through the curriculum in foundation subjects so that gaps in knowledge are identified and addressed effectively.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers consistently maintain high expectations for pupils’ attitudes and engagement in all lessons so that pupils remain focused on their learning.

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