West Park Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Pupils are confident, articulate, polite and well behaved. Support for pupils' personal development and welfare is outstanding.

Parents value highly the support the school provides for pupils and families. The school's commitment to equality and diversity is evident in the way all members of the community are welcomed and supported to succeed. Leaders have ensured that learning across the curriculum is well planned and reflects pupils' experiences.

Leaders have a clear picture of pupils' progress in most subjects but, in one or two subjects, pupils' progress is not checked rigorously enough. Over recent years, pupils' progress and attainm...ent in writing by the end of key stage 2 have been very strong. In 2018, pupils' attainment and progress in reading and mathematics at the end of key stage 2 dipped.

Leaders responded robustly and put in place carefully selected training for staff and interventions for pupils. As a result, standards are rising. Pupils love reading.

Most read fluently with good understanding. Younger pupils apply their phonics skills well. A higher proportion of pupils achieved the expected standard in the phonics screening check than the national average in 2018.

Governors have a good understanding of the school's strengths and priorities. They support leaders well, applying their expertise. However, governors do not currently challenge leaders effectively.

Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make strong progress from their starting points. Pupils are well supported to understand how they learn and how they can improve their work. Attendance has improved and is now in line with the national average.

The proportion of pupils with low attendance has dramatically reduced. Teaching is good across the school. However, the least able pupils do not always have access to the practical equipment they need to succeed in mathematics.

The standard of some pupils' handwriting and presentation does not currently showcase their achievements well. Children make good progress in early years as a result of effective adult support, established routines and well-planned activities. Children, particularly the most able, are not given sufficient independence as their confidence grows.

Information about this school

West Park Primary School serves a very diverse community in the heart of Wolverhampton. A high proportion of pupils speak English as an additional language. A much higher proportion of pupils are eligible for free school meals than is typical nationally.

A high proportion of pupils join the school mid-way through the year. The proportion of pupils with SEND is higher than the national average. The proportion of pupils who have education, health and care (EHC) plans is in line with the national average.

The school has achieved a number of awards, such as School Sports Silver Award and School of Sanctuary status. The school has one form of entry. However, the current Years 2 and 3 each have two classes.