Westdale Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 December 2023

Westdale Junior School is a happy and vibrant school. The mantra 'work hard, be kind' sets the tone for pupils' experiences. The curriculum provides many opportunities for pupils to learn the significance to them of working hard and being kind. As a consequence, pupils are motivated and reflective. Pupils speak positively of the school. One pupil typically stated: 'The teachers have really high expectations for us. But they are not bossy with it. We want to live up to those expectations.' The school is ambitious for all pupils to achieve well, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged. Pupils respond to this ambition. They are keen to play their part in improving their school. The 'pupil parliament' have well thought out views and are keen to share them with adults. Pupils talk proudly of their work for charity. Pupils behave well. They are well mannered and courteous to adults and visitors. Relationships between adults and pupils are respectful. They not only learn to care about each other, they also learn how to look after themselves, including their own mental well-being. Pupils are highly respectful of difference.

What the school should improve

• Some parents and carers do not know about, or understand, the reason for recent changes to the behaviour policy. Not all parents and carers are aware of the improvements in pupils' behaviour. As a consequence, a few parents are concerned about behaviour and do not feel connected with the school. Leaders should explore ways to further communicate and strengthen engagement with all parents and enable them to best understand how to support their child and the work of the school.
• The school has made appropriate and significant changes recently to improve the curriculum. However, they have not yet looked closely enough and evaluated the impact of some of these changes. As a consequence, elements of their work, such as checking on what pupils know and remember, are not yet fully embedded and, therefore, wholly effective. In a few subjects, pupils are not remembering all that they have been taught. The school should check that any changes introduced have the desired impact and pupils remember all that they have learned.

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