Willow Tree Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 July 2023

This is a friendly and inclusive school. Staff know pupils and their families well. They look after pupils with a great sense of care and make sure that they feel safe. Pupils also confirmed that there are trusted adults they can talk to if they have a problem. Staff encourage pupils to share their opinions and to respect each other's views. Leaders have high aspirations for all pupils. Children in early years get off to a strong start. This lays the foundations for realising the school's motto of 'Inspiring learners for life'. Leaders and staff work together to ensure that all pupils achieve well. Pupils enjoy learning because they study a rich curriculum. This year, leaders have paid more attention to developing the curriculum in subjects other than English and mathematics. Overall, pupils gain and remember knowledge securely across a range of subjects. Pupils value the range of clubs and educational trips on offer. Activities such as singing assemblies and learning to play instruments, such as the guitar, violin and piano, give pupils opportunities to broaden their interests. Pupils are proud that the school's choir has performed at the Royal Albert Hall. Pupils' behaviour is mostly good. Adults deal with any occasional incidents of bullying effectively.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum in some foundation subjects is not implemented with the same ambition and rigour as it is, for example, in the core subjects. As a result, in these subjects, pupils do not make as much progress through the curriculum as they do in the strongest subjects. Leaders should ensure that all subjects across the curriculum are taught with the same ambition and rigour, providing further subject-specific professional development opportunities for teachers where appropriate.

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