Westhaven School

Overview

Westhaven School has undergone a significant transformation, with pupils now excelling and staff maintaining high, aspirational expectations. The report highlights a well-planned, ambitious curriculum and positive relationships that ensure pupils feel happy, valued, and safe.

Strengths

• The curriculum is described as "well-planned and ambitious," with staff working diligently to meet pupils’ individual needs.
• Personal development is promoted "exceptionally well," supported by a "very strong sense of community" and the principles of the ‘Westhaven Way’.
• The school is "highly skilled at identifying pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)" and adapting provision effectively.
• Reading instruction is "highly effective," with a systematic approach that helps pupils learn to read "capably, enthusiastically and independently."
• Pupils are "well prepared for their next steps," gaining important qualifications and skills for independent living.

Areas to improve

• Improvements to the curriculum need more time to embed in some subjects, including in the sixth form, meaning learning is not yet consistently secure across all areas.
• In subjects like mathematics, approaches such as questioning to deepen thinking are not yet fully established, preventing pupils from consistently learning as well as they should.
• Leaders should continue to support staff to refine the curriculum so that its impact is "consistently strong across subjects."

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."