Westwood Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The leadership of the school is exceptionally strong.

The headteacher and deputy headteacher, ably supported by subject leaders, successfully drive a shared ambition for all pupils to be the best they can be. Leaders instil confidence in all staff. There is a learning culture within the school that ensures that all staff have the skills and knowledge they need to make sure that all pupils thrive.

Governance is highly effective. Directors support and challenge the headteacher and executive headteacher effectively, and make a valuable contribution to the continuing development of the school. The proportion of children who achieve a ...good level of development at the end of the early years is consistently above the national average.

The children make excellent progress from their starting points. In 2017, every pupil in Year 1 reached the standard in the phonics screening check. More pupils reach and exceed the expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of key stages 1 and 2 than is seen nationally.

This high achievement has been sustained over time and represents significant progress. High-quality professional development ensures that teaching across the school is consistently strong. Accurate assessment enables teachers to plan effective and interesting lessons.

Precise guidance helps pupils to improve continuously. Teachers and support staff know pupils very well. They demonstrate excellent subject knowledge and ask insightful questions to engage pupils in discussion and ensure that they understand.

The curriculum provides pupils with broad and enriching experiences. Exciting themes capture pupils' interest and enthusiasm, and ensure that they make good progress across all subjects. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary in lessons and around the school.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They know that their children are happy, safe, well cared for and achieve highly. They value the effective support that the school provides for their children.

Leaders have a highly accurate understanding of the school's effectiveness. Their plans to develop the school further are precise and informed. They recognise that the library area needs further development and that pupils will benefit from more equipment to use during lunch and playtimes.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish. The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is lower than the national average. A large majority of pupils come from a White British background and the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is below the national average.

The school meets the current government minimum floor standards for primary schools. Children in the early years attend full-time provision in the Reception class and part-time provision in the Nursery class. The school runs its own breakfast club and after-school provision.

The school became an academy in September 2011 and is the lead school in the South Essex Academy Trust. The trust sponsors two other schools. Staff from Westwood Academy work closely with colleagues in the other schools.