Whitemoor Academy (Primary and Nursery)

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 November 2022

Pupils enjoy coming to this school. Their attendance is improving, and an increasing number arrive at school on time each morning. Pupils get on well together. They make sure that no one gets left out, and show each other, and adults, respect. Bullying does happen, but when pupils tell someone about it, then it stops. As one pupil typically explained, 'You can be friends with everyone here.' Pupils know why it is important to try to 'be your best selves' in everything they do. This positive message is evident in the way that pupils conduct themselves around school, on the playground and during lessons. Pupils know that they may get an 'angry bee' card when they do something wrong. Staff respond to any silly or inappropriate behaviour quickly so that lessons are not disrupted. Pupils say that staff are fair and consistent when dealing with incidents of poor conduct. Pupils are keen to learn. They know that staff expect them to try hard and get involved. Pupils like taking part in many different activities. They enjoy learning to play musical instruments, planting trees, singing at community events and visiting the local university. Pupils thrive in this caring and aspirational school.

What the school should improve

• Pupils in the early stages of learning to read do not practise their reading often enough with an adult. These pupils do not catch up as quickly as they should. Pupils who are confident readers do not develop a strong love and enjoyment of reading. They do not always choose to read voluntarily and independently. Leaders need to ensure that all pupils become confident and fluent readers who enjoy reading widely and often.
• The curriculum is not implemented as consistently as it could be. Teachers sometimes do not make the most appropriate pedagogical choices when delivering the curriculum. They do not allow pupils sufficient time to respond to advice as to how they can improve their work. Pupils do not secure their knowledge or achieve as well as they could. Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum is implemented consistently well in all subjects. They need to make sure that pupils have appropriate opportunities to review their work and learn from their mistakes.
• In a few subjects, the curriculum is not sufficiently ambitious. Pupils occasionally find that the work is too easy. They do not make as much progress as they could. Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum is planned so that it is sufficiently challenging for all pupils.

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