Willowbrook Mead Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 November 2023

Working hard, showing kindness and being responsible make up the 'Willowbrook Way'. Pupils have a firm understanding of these values. Staff model these qualities and pupils try their best to show them. The aim at Willowbrook is for all pupils to have bright futures. To achieve this ambition, the 'Removing Barriers to Learning' team ensures that all pupils are ready to learn and able to succeed. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils thrive in this inclusive, nurturing environment. Pupils behave well. They are enthusiastic about the subjects they study. Most pupils listen well and sustain their concentration in lessons. Pupils have a strong sense of right and wrong. They know to challenge someone's behaviour if it is unkind or inappropriate. Staff go the extra mile for the pupils at Willowbrook. Their top priority is to make all pupils feel welcome and at ease. Pupils feel happy and valued in this homely, inclusive environment. The school's special 'Hygge Room' is a cosy, safe space for pupils in need of emotional support. Pupils say, 'The staff are so nice here - they always check how you are and sort things out to make sure you feel good.'

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, pupils do not remember what they have been taught before in sufficient detail. They recall the things they have done before rather than the important knowledge they need to use again. This prevents pupils from building on their prior learning and deepening their understanding of key concepts. Leaders must ensure that staff systematically revisit the crucial content that pupils need to retain, helping them to remember it over the long term.
• Sometimes, staff do not use the strategies set out in the school's phonics pro- gramme. When this happens, pupils do not develop their knowledge of letter sounds as quickly as they might. The school must ensure that staff implement all aspects of the school's phonics programme consistently so that every pupil gets the help they need to become a fluent reader as quickly as possible.

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