Westwood First School

Overview

Westwood First School is described as a "happy and welcoming school where pupils love to learn." Staff nurture pupils’ character with high aspirations, fostering "well-rounded individuals" through a focus on the trust’s motto to "be the best you can be." The report highlights a positive culture where pupils feel safe, behave well, and benefit from enriching opportunities.

Strengths

• Staff build "positive and productive relationships" with children, understanding individual needs and creating an environment that "immerses children in language."
• The school has developed a "well-sequenced curriculum" with clear plans for knowledge and vocabulary across year groups.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "identified quickly" and receive suitable adaptations to join in lessons.
• Pupils demonstrate respect for others and an awareness of "fundamental British values" through assemblies and theme days.
• The multi-academy trust provides "effective support" to governors and facilitates collaborative working to share expertise.

Areas to improve

• Ensure books pupils read are "closely matched to the sounds they are learning" so all pupils get sufficient practice in early reading.
• Develop staff expertise in planning activities that support pupils to "remember more across the curriculum," as some current activities do not support intended knowledge.

Safeguarding

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