Westwood Boys School, Oldham

What it's like to be a pupil at Westwood Boys School

Leaders at Westwood Boys School do not have a clear enough understanding of what they need to do to keep pupils safe. The school environment is welcoming and staff care about pupils. Pupils state that they feel happy and safe as part of a school family and local community. Despite this, pupils are put at risk of potential harm. This is because the leaders responsible for pupils' welfare do not implement the procedures required to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Leaders do not seek external advice and expertise to safeguard pupils at the school. Pupils attend school regularly. Their conduct around the school site and in lessons is exemplary. Pupils display kindness, empathy and respect towards each other and the adults that work with them. Older pupils mentor and support their younger peers. Pupils diligently follow and enforce the rules that the school has put in place. In lessons, they are engaged with their learning and they work hard. If pupils struggle with their learning, then effective academic support is put into place to help them. Typically, pupils, including those with additional barriers to their learning, are achieving well from their various starting points. Beyond the academic curriculum, pupils have access to a range of wider development and enrichment opportunities. Leaders have thought carefully about how to overcome the time limitations that pupils face when fitting in their additional religious studies. For example, leaders subsidise clubs and activities in the local community for pupils to attend, such as boxing, football and swimming. In addition, leaders tailor activities and resources to allow pupils to pursue their individual interests. For example, leaders have established a 3D printing club that allows pupils to create their own designs and they have provided encouragement and support for pupils to enter national and international debating competitions. These opportunities allow pupils to grow in confidence and develop a sense of responsibility.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• The proprietor must ensure that it has the knowledge and skills needed to maintain effective oversight of the independent schools standards, so that they are met consistently.
• The proprietor must ensure that it has the appropriate knowledge and quality assurance systems in place to identify and address weaknesses that lead to breaches in statutory responsibilities for safeguarding. It must also ensure that the safeguarding policy is implemented effectively, including systems for staff to report and record safeguarding concerns and keep accurate, up to date records of pupil concerns.
• The proprietor must ensure that leaders responsible for safeguarding are suitably trained and knowledgeable to carry out their statutory responsibilities to protect pupils from potential harm.
• Leaders should ensure that they work more openly and effectively with external agencies and local area partners to provide expert and specialist support for pupils who are vulnerable or have additional needs.

Westwood Boys School creates a welcoming, family-like environment where pupils feel happy and demonstrate exemplary behaviour and respect for one another. The school provides strong academic support with well-structured teaching, and pupils typically achieve well from their starting points. Beyond academics, pupils benefit from a comprehensive range of enrichment activities including work experience, community service, and careers guidance that prepare them well for their next steps.

Safeguarding standards not met - leaders have not ensured an open and positive culture around safeguarding, safeguarding information is not always shared or acted on appropriately, and accurate records are not maintained.

Charity fundraising events, entrepreneurial challenges, trips to local museums and places of worship, work experience, leadership roles including leading prayers at mosque, peer mental health support ambassador training

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