Willow Farm Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

Pupils at Willow Farm experience a nurturing, joyful and highly inclusive education. From the moment they join the school, children are understood and valued as individuals. Staff understand their needs deeply and work hard to remove any barriers to learning or wellbeing. As a result, pupils achieve well from their starting points, including those who are disadvantaged, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and pupils known to social care. The school's approach enables pupils to learn with curiosity and confidence, developing a genuine love of learning that continues as they move through the school. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps, reflected in improving outcomes across reading, writing and mathematics. Relationships across year groups are a particular strength. Older and younger pupils play and learn together naturally, helping them to build resilience, collaborate effectively and form friendships beyond their immediate peer group. This contributes to a strong sense of belonging and a warm, supportive community where pupils are safe and happy. Pupils enjoy a wide range of broader experiences, including activities inspired by the school values, residential trips and curriculum enrichment that extends learning beyond the academic. Events such as the 'Willow Fest' music festival, featuring the Ukrainian choir, help pupils to develop cultural awareness and confidence. All pupils are fully included in school life, regardless of need or background. Pupils thrive at Willow Farm. They understand the school's 'PRIDE' values and talk confidently about how these help them to contribute positively to their school, local community and wider society. They behave well and show positive attitudes to learning. Bullying is very rare. If it occurs, leaders deal with it swiftly and effectively. Through carefully planned curriculum content, such as online safety and anti‑racism, pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are active citizens within the local community, for example in the school's community garden and raising money for charity.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should strengthen writing across the curriculum by ensuring consistent expectations for the accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Leaders should ensure that learning activities are consistently designed to provide appropriate challenge for all pupils, including those who are ready to work at greater depth, so that more pupils deepen their understanding and achieve highly across the curriculum.
• Leaders should support staff to refine teaching and engagement strategies to further improve pupils' learning behaviours.

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