Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The pupils and their families are at the heart of this highly inclusive, well-led school.

The school embraces the diverse community and the array of languages that pupils speak.

All pupils, regardless of their background, are included with warmth, sensitivity and kindness. Pupils are proud of their school. They love learning and, consequently, make exceptional progress.

Positive relationships contribute towards the creation of a highly safe environment. A typical comment from a pupil was, 'Everyone thrives here with the support they need.' Pupils receive high-quality pastoral help for their welfare.

All pupils, including those with special educationa...l needs and/or disabilities (SEND), flourish in this strong school community.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Staff set high expectations right from the start.

Pupils live up to these without exception. Consequently, learning proceeds without disruption.

There is a wide range of coherently planned opportunities.

Many of these are requested and led by pupils themselves. The school council has identified 'the 25 at Whitefriars'. These experiences are built seamlessly into the curriculum to ensure all pupils broaden their horizons.

For instance, when they visit an art gallery, it richly extends the knowledge gained in the classroom.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has a highly developed sense of purpose to ensure the curriculum meets pupils' needs. Its ambition is to improve the life prospects of its pupils.

Leaders are determined that the needs and aspirations of disadvantaged pupils, particularly those with SEND, are central to the school's work. The school relentlessly improves the curriculum where needed. Therefore, pupils are doing really well.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. It is delivered by highly skilled teachers who have strong subject knowledge. Pupils confidently learn and apply new content, such as vocabulary.

This builds closely on what they have learned previously. As a result, pupils develop detailed and deep knowledge.

Reading is a clear priority.

The phonics programme is taught successfully by well-trained staff. The small number of pupils who find reading difficult are given the support they need to keep up with the programme. The books that pupils read match the sounds that they know.

Parents are well supported to help their children practise reading at home. As pupils move through school, they become confident and fluent readers.

Support for pupils with SEND is exceptional.

An expert team has developed clear and robust systems to support these pupils. This ensures staff gain a thorough understanding of pupils' needs. Plans successfully identify adaptations to tasks and the environment that pupils with SEND require.

They access the full curriculum alongside their peers. If any pupils need something individually, it is put in place skilfully. This is why pupils with SEND are making such strong progress.

Children make a flying start in early years. They understand the school's high expectations and routines straight away. The early years curriculum precisely identifies the knowledge children need to learn.

For instance, communication and language is significantly prioritised, based on their needs. Staff create an environment which gives children every opportunity to succeed. Children achieve exceptionally well from their starting points and are fully prepared for Year 1.

The school is calm and nurturing. Leaders have developed a culture where excellent behaviour is an expectation at all times. Pupils rise to this superbly.

They are polite, articulate and have high levels of self-motivation in learning.

The personal development provision comprehensively considers pupils' needs. It is meticulously planned around the school's vision and values.

This helps pupils develop into responsible and respectful citizens. For example, they have a very well developed sense of right and wrong.

Trustees and governors provide strong support to the school.

They challenge where needed. The trust and governors share the school's ambition that all pupils will learn what is required to succeed. They and school leaders have the same aspirations for staff.

Staff feel fully valued. Their well-being and professional learning are equally important.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.