West Road Primary Academy

Overview

West Road Primary Academy is described as a “safe and happy school” where staff maintain “high expectations” of behaviour, which pupils generally meet well. The report highlights a “calm and purposeful atmosphere” underpinned by strong relationships, noting that the school’s work has “rapidly developed” since the previous inspection.

Strengths

• The “ambitious curriculum” is “well thought through,” with teachers providing regular opportunities for pupils to revisit prior knowledge to aid retention.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive “effective support,” including bespoke curricula and expert advice such as speech and language therapy.
• Reading instruction is highly effective; staff are “well trained,” books are “carefully matched” to pupils’ phonics knowledge, and pupils “learn to read quickly.”
• Attendance is a “real strength,” with leaders working closely with families to provide tailored support for regular school attendance.
• Staff morale is high, supported by “highly effective training and networking opportunities” provided by the trust.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, important knowledge is not broken down clearly enough, meaning staff do not “draw out and emphasise important concepts,” resulting in pupils’ understanding lacking depth.
• Safeguarding records do not always fully reflect the actions taken to keep pupils safe, creating “minor gaps” in the narrative of support provided.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with the school taking “purposeful action” to safeguard pupils, although records occasionally fail to fully reflect the actions taken.