A Nottingham primary has been praised for its ambition in ensuring pupils from all backgrounds make good progress at school.

Ofsted inspectors said leaders at Westglade Primary in Top Valley played a crucial role in serving their community so effectively.

Following an inspection visit in May, the education watchdog highlighted the way the school has created a friendly environment where all pupils can succeed – especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs.

Inspectors said: “High levels of disadvantage in the local community provide particular challenges for you and your staff, but your ambition for your pupils is unwavering. Your expectation is that pupils will reach standards in reading, writing and mathematics at least as high as other pupils do nationally. As a result of consistently strong teaching, your pupils meet this target. They leave Westglade with the skills and self-belief essential if they are to succeed at their secondary schools.”

The report added: “Throughout the school, pupils with special educational needs and disabilities make good progress, with many attaining in line with, or above, their peers in reading, writing and mathematics.”

Awarding a judgment of ‘Good’ to the primary, the inspection found:

  • Staff morale is high. They are proud to work at the school and value the consideration given to both their professional development and their wellbeing
  • The leaders of English, mathematics, early years and special educational needs drive school improvement more strongly than in the past
  • Pupils benefit from a wider range of educational visits and experiences that enrich the curriculum
  • The proportions of pupils meeting the expected standards in writing, at key stages 1 and 2, have increased since the previous inspection
  • In each of the last three years, pupils have made above-average progress in mathematics
  • Pupils enjoy school and talk with great enthusiasm about their learning. Their behaviour has improved since the previous inspection. They have positive attitudes to their work, and this contributes to the strong progress that they make

The report added: “All of the parents who I spoke with at the start of the day praised the school. Their views were reinforced in Ofsted’s online parent questionnaire. One parent wrote: ‘All staff are friendly, professional and approachable. I am always greeted with smiles and well wishes. Children are praised for their achievements and encouraged to strive for their goals. I would absolutely recommend Westglade to others.’”

Ofsted previously rated the school in Syke Road, which caters for 298 pupils aged 3-11, as ‘Good’.

Commenting on the inspection, Head Teacher Jo Keely said: “We are so proud of our school. We know that we are privileged to work with amazing children, supportive parents and with an exceptional team of staff and Governors. We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection.”

Cllr Neghat Khan, Portfolio Holder for Early Years, Education and Employment, said: “Our city has some fantastic schools and I am pleased that Westglade Primary continues to be rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted. This is down to hard work from staff, pupils and governors. They should all be so proud of their commitment and dedication. 

“The council is working closely with partners from across the city to ensure that every child can go to a school that is rated as ‘Good’ or better.”

The percentage of pupils in Nottingham going to ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ schools is now above the England average – 86% in Nottingham compared to 85% nationally – as well as above the East Midlands average of 80%.

The full report can be read on the Ofsted website: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/131006