Whitefield Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 May 2023

Pupils happily attend Whitefield Primary Academy. They are kind, friendly and welcoming to visitors. Pupils know and understand the school values. These help pupils to be respectful and become well-rounded individuals. Pupils trust staff to help them. This helps pupils feel safe. Pupils respond to staff's high expectations. They work hard and behave well. Teachers work together to help pupils understand and follow the 'Whitefield way'. Pupils learn the same rules. This makes them easier to follow and understand. Bullying is rare. If it does happen, pupils know that adults will help them to resolve it. Pupils learn a broad and rich curriculum. This helps them to develop their talents and interests. Pupils show positive attitudes to their learning. They try their best and consequently achieve well. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their education. Pupils enjoy the extra opportunities leaders provide, including trips and interesting visitors. For instance, staff invited representatives from different faiths to talk to pupils during assembly. This helps pupils learn about the wider world. Many pupils have extra jobs, including school councillors and sports champions. Pupils show responsible attitudes when carrying out these roles.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, leaders' curriculum planning is less established. Where this is the case, some teachers do not have the subject knowledge required to be fully secure when explaining tasks and modelling work. This means that teaching is not always clear enough, and pupils are unsure how to approach learning activities. Consequently, pupils do not learn all the knowledge intended. Leaders need to ensure that staff have the training and guidance needed to deliver the curriculum highly effectively in these subjects.

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