Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Merryhills Primary School on April 24, 2018, and the findings indicate that the school continues to maintain a good standard of education. The leadership team, including the headteacher and governors, demonstrates a strong commitment to the development of the school, working collaboratively to reflect on its strengths and identify areas for improvement. The school has made timely changes that positively impact pupils' learning, particularly in supporting disadvantaged pupils who now receive consistent and effective teaching.
The school has effectively addressed previous areas for improvement, such as enhancing free-choice activities in early years provision, which are now purposeful. Pupils across the school have a clearer understanding of their learning objectives. Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with the support their children receive tailored to their specific needs. The leadership team has established a calm and orderly atmosphere conducive to learning, and pupils actively engage with the school's values, demonstrating them in their daily lives.
The curriculum has been strengthened, particularly in reading and mathematics, while efforts are underway to enhance the science curriculum. However, there is a noted inconsistency in pupils demonstrating a greater depth of knowledge in science, particularly in their written work. Additionally, while pupils enjoy writing, they do not consistently take care with letter formation and presentation.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with thorough checks on staff suitability and comprehensive training on safeguarding and child protection. Pupils feel safe and supported, expressing confidence in the staff's ability to help them when needed. They are knowledgeable about safety, including e-safety and cyberbullying, and exhibit sensible behavior during school activities.
The inspection focused on the progress of disadvantaged pupils in reading, mathematics, and science. Changes in support strategies have led to these pupils making at least as much progress as their peers. While reading, writing, and mathematics show positive outcomes, there remains a need for improvement in science, particularly in how pupils articulate their understanding in written form.
The teaching of phonics has been revised, resulting in pupils effectively using their phonics knowledge to support their reading and writing. Pupils are now more aware of their progress and enjoy tracking their achievements in writing and mathematics. The school has also prioritized providing opportunities for children in early years to make purposeful choices in their learning, with staff facilitating independent learning through engaging activities.
Next steps for the school include ensuring that pupils are challenged in their written work in science to demonstrate a greater depth of understanding and raising teachers' expectations regarding the presentation of pupils' work. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, and the positive feedback from parents and the community reflects the school's strong reputation. Overall, Merryhills Primary School is on a positive trajectory, with effective leadership, a supportive environment, and a focus on enhancing educational outcomes for all pupils.
