West Road Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have taken swift action to reverse a decline in pupils' outcomes since the last inspection. Throughout the school, progress is good in English and mathematics for all groups of pupils. Consequently, an increasing proportion of pupils are reaching, and exceeding, age-related expectations.

Leaders have built a strong sense of community within the school. Pupils' personal development is a priority. Consequently, pupils feel valued and supported to become confident and self-assured learners who demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning.

They cooperate well with each other and enjoy contributing to the life of the school. A wide... range of middle leaders are contributing to school improvement. This has been a key factor in improving the quality of teaching and raising standards.

Leaders and teachers have developed a curriculum which is successfully engaging pupils in their learning and raising their aspirations. Safeguarding is effective. The school provides strong support for vulnerable pupils and families, making effective links with external agencies when necessary.

Leaders have developed strong links with parents and carers. This is highly valued. Pupils' attendance is very close to the national average and is testament to pupils' enjoyment of school.

However, leaders are not clear about which strategies are proving most effective in reducing persistent absence. While pupils' behaviour is good, records are not used to gain intelligence about any emerging patterns or types of behaviour occurring. Children make a solid start in the early years, making good progress by the end of Reception.

This is not always built on effectively enough when pupils begin Year 1. A lower proportion of pupils than seen nationally meet the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check over time. Younger pupils' reading books are not always closely matched to their phonics knowledge and this hampers some pupils' development.

Lower-attaining pupils do not always have enough opportunities to practise and consolidate their writing skills. On occasion, they struggle to access independent learning activities. This hinders their learning.

Checks on the quality and effectiveness of English teaching are not always successful enough in identifying and addressing where teaching could be further improved.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. Most teaching staff are new to the school since the last inspection.

The headteacher was appointed in September 2015. Two other senior leaders joined the school at the same time. A further senior leader was appointed in April 2018.

The proportion of pupils known to be disadvantaged is almost twice the national average. Almost all pupils are White British. The vast majority of pupils speak English as their first language.

The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is similar to the national average. In 2016/17, the school met the government's floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics. The school runs breakfast and after-school clubs.