Windhill21

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The inspirational headteacher is very well supported by the deputy headteacher. Together they have firmly established a culture of high expectations and a vision of excellence that is shared by staff and governors. Leaders throughout the school have used their enthusiasm and determination to raise standards and outcomes for pupils.

They contribute equally to the improvements made. All staff receive highly effective training and support. This has enhanced their skills and knowledge to improve the quality of teaching and pupils' learning very effectively.

Leaders ensure that there is a rich, stimulating curriculum both within and be...yond the school day that meets pupils' needs exceptionally well. As a result of thorough planning, innovative teaching and accurate assessment, pupils are actively engaged in their learning and consequently make outstanding progress. Safeguarding takes high priority.

Procedures for ensuring that pupils are kept safe are very thorough. Pupils said that they feel safe in school and their parents agreed. Pupils' personal development is outstanding.

They take responsibility for their learning and for jobs around the school. They take very good care of themselves and others. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is very strong.

This is evident in the high-quality discussions pupils have in lessons on global and moral issues. This prepares pupils very effectively for life in modern Britain. Children get off to a superb start in the outstanding early years provision.

Children in the Nursery and Reception classes learn quickly, often from low starting points. Highly skilled staff plan exciting learning activities both indoors and outside. Parents hold the school and leaders in extremely high regard.

The tremendous volume of written and verbal praise received during the inspection was overwhelmingly positive. Governors have a diverse set of skills and expertise which enables them to challenge and support leaders very effectively about many aspects of the school's performance. However, they have not yet done so with sufficient rigour in relation to pupils' outcomes across subjects other than English and mathematics.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. The school became a stand-alone academy in April 2015 and the sole member of the Windhill Academy Trust. The board of trustees is the accountable body.

The proportion of pupils eligible for support through the government's pupil premium funding is below the national average. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is above the national average, as is the proportion of pupils whose first language is not English. The proportion of pupils who receive SEN support and the proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan are broadly in line with the national average.

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