Willoughton Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher is determined that all pupils will achieve to the best of their ability. Through her strong leadership, staff are committed to her vision.

Leaders, including governors, have a good understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses. They are ambitious for the school. Members of the local governing body are experienced and committed to the school.

They understand their roles and responsibilities well and provide good support. Subject leaders are increasingly taking responsibility for school improvements. They continue to require additional support.

Teaching is good. Teachers are enthusiastic and have an accurat...e understanding of pupils' achievements. Pupils have positive attitudes, demonstrating growing independence in their learning.

Children in the early years are well prepared for Year 1 because of good teaching. However, the outdoor provision is not used to its full potential, particularly for writing activities. Outcomes in the early years are improving and are in line with the national average.

Least-able children do not progress as well as their peers. Parents, carers and staff are overwhelmingly positive about the school. Pupils behave well in their lessons and at other times of the day.

Pupils are confident, polite and respectful towards others. Bullying is rare. Pupils value their education.

They attend well, and few are persistently absent from school. Pupils' successes are celebrated. Pupils are keen to do well and appreciate opportunities to take on responsibilities.

In almost all year groups, pupils' attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is rising and they are making good progress. Pupils are not consistently challenged or encouraged to spell accurately across all subject areas. Too few pupils attain the higher standard in writing.

Leaders do not monitor or evaluate the impact of additional funding for disadvantaged pupils and pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities closely enough. Leaders recognise that some aspects of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) awareness are not promoted coherently across the curriculum. Leaders and governors make sure that the school's safeguarding arrangements are effective.

Pupils say that they feel safe. Parents agree.

Information about this school

The headteacher was appointed in February 2017.

All three teachers were new to the school during the 2017/18 academic year. The chair of governors took up her role in September 2017. The school is much smaller than the average-sized primary school.

There are three classes, each containing mixed-year groups of pupils. The proportion of girls is well below the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above the national average. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is considerably lower than average.

The school runs its own breakfast club and after-school club. The school is a member of the Village Schools Collaboration and the Gainsborough Partnership, as well as accessing support from the KYRA Teaching School Alliance. The school uses Hillcrest Early Years Academy as an alternative provider.