Whitegate Primary and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils know that the staff at this school want to do the best for them. Pupils inspectors met told them how the grown-ups at Whitegate care for them and want each pupil to learn as much as possible.Whitegate is a happy school, where everyone is included.

Behaviour is good. Pupils are keen to earn their certificate to show that they are a 'Whitegate Always Child'. They are proud to try their best and they complete their work neatly.

Pupils get on well almost all the time. They told inspectors that, when any bullying does happen, staff sort it out fairly. Pupils know how to use the school's 'say no - go tell!' system and say it works.

They believe staff set a g...ood example to them. Pupils feel safe here.The education pupils receive is a good one.

Teachers are skilled at teaching them how to read so that they can then learn well across all subjects. Pupils explained how staff give them interesting lessons, such as using tablet computers to 'visit' the Colosseum in Rome. Staff plan lessons in a careful order so pupils build up lots of knowledge.

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

Pupils receive a good, rounded education at Whitegate. This ensures that, across subjects, they learn and remember the things they are taught. There is a single system for teachers to check what pupils know.

Staff wasted no time in using this to find out the gaps in learning that pupils had at the end of the third national lockdown. Teachers have worked tirelessly to attend to these gaps. They have now all but closed.

Leaders have planned the curriculum with great care. It is a truly seamless thread from the Nursery Year to Year 6. They have mapped exactly what they want pupils to know in each subject and area, and when they need to teach things.

They put lessons in order so that pupils' knowledge and skills grow from the start. Inspectors saw those in the Nursery Year already settled into school life and busy learning. At lunchtime, children line up smartly to collect their trays.

They understand what adults expect them to do.

Those in the Reception Year learn their phonics quickly. They call out the 'p' in 'pan' and 'pat' and are proud to show how they can write it on their whiteboards, chanting 'down the pirate's plait and around his face!' Effective teaching continues in Year 1, where pupils can read 'sleep' and 'quiz'.

They are keen to learn all the sounds as quickly as possible and they go on to become fluent readers. Teachers in all classes read them exciting stories so that pupils will learn to love books. This ranges from fairy tales in the early years to modern classics in Year 6.

Pupils learn well in other subjects too. In physical education, inspectors saw those in Year 4 very engaged in challenging activities to improve their footwork and balance. Inspectors observed pupils in Year 6 learning about Syria in History.

Pupils pay attention in lessons because they are interesting. Because the curriculum is well planned and delivered across subjects, pupils learn and remember what they need to. They are well prepared for secondary school.

This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These pupils are well supported and included in everything Whitegate offers.

Leaders have taken the school on a path of continuous improvement since it opened in 2017.

They give staff good training and have just introduced a new mathematics scheme. Leaders need to check that this is helping pupils as well as they expect. Staff are very proud to work at Whitegate and say that leaders treat them with respect.

They believe that leaders help them to improve their skills, and say they are mindful of staff's workload.The school's personal development programme is good. Pupils read 'My Shadow is Pink' to help them see how some people are treated unkindly just because of the group they belong to.

This has helped pupils to understand that everyone should be respected for who they are. Pupils are taught the difference between right and wrong. Leaders have plans to make sure the entire content of the statutory guidance for relationships and health education will be taught by the end of the school year.

They have made teaching pupils to stay safe online a priority.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders and staff believe they must do all they can to protect every pupil.

All staff receive regular training so that they know the signs that could point to a pupil being exploited or abused. Staff are aware of the system to report concerns and use it. Leaders follow procedures for the safe recruitment of staff.

Good communication across the school means leaders know pupils who are being harmed or are at risk. They do not delay the help these pupils need. They also help all pupils to understand the risks to their safety and how to raise any concern.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Teachers have just begun to implement a new curriculum for mathematics. They are therefore unable to be sure that it will be as effective at helping pupils to know and remember more knowledge as they intend. Leaders should ensure that this curriculum is monitored closely, any adjustments necessary are made and staff are given any additional support needed.