Willaston Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 July 2023

Pupils feel safe and happy in this harmonious school. Kindness is valued. For example, staff reward pupils when they spread kindness and happiness to others. On those rare occasions when unkindness or bullying occurs, leaders act swiftly and decisively to resolve it. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and achievement. Pupils, and children in the early years, strive to meet these. They delight in having their positive behaviour recognised by staff. Leaders ensure that pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), receive the support that they need to learn well. Pupils achieve highly. Pupils learn that they can take actions to improve the lives of others. They are enthusiastic about taking on roles which enable them to do this. For example, older pupils act as 'buddies' to children in the early years, making sure that they have friends to play with at breaktime. 'Well-being wizards' lead assemblies where they talk to their peers about how to look after themselves, both physically and mentally. Parents and carers appreciate feeling that they are part of a wider school community. They said that the staff know their children well and are always on hand to help. Pupils thrive in this school.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, leaders do not ensure that teachers carefully check that pupils know and remember the intended curriculum content. This means that some pupils develop gaps in their learning without their teachers realising. Leaders should ensure that assessment strategies align closely with the knowledge specified in the curriculum, so that teachers can swiftly identify and address any learning that pupils have missed or misunderstood.

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