Cherry Orchard Primary School in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 28 and 29 March 2023. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive environment where pupils feel proud and happy to attend. The relationships between pupils and staff are characterized by mutual respect and understanding, reflecting the school’s core values of equality, respect, understanding, courage, friendship, and honesty. These values are integrated into the daily life of the school, promoting an inclusive atmosphere where differences are embraced.
Pupils at Cherry Orchard have a clear understanding of bullying and know that any incidents will be addressed promptly by adults. The school emphasizes kindness and care among students, ensuring that everyone is included in school activities. Leaders are dedicated to the academic success of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to support the learning of all students, and various enrichment activities, such as trips and guest speakers, enhance the educational experience.
The school excels in personal development and pastoral care, with staff who are attentive to the needs of pupils. This support helps students develop into confident and resilient individuals. Pupils show enthusiasm for learning about diverse cultures and faiths, contributing to a well-rounded education. The leadership team is aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, having navigated significant staffing changes while minimizing disruption to learning.
Reading is prioritized, with daily phonics instruction starting in the early years. Staff monitor pupils’ progress closely, providing additional support when necessary to ensure that all students become fluent readers. The curriculum is broad and engaging, with a strong focus on vocabulary development in the early years. However, there are areas where improvement is needed, particularly in ensuring that children form letters and numbers correctly and that teachers maintain high expectations for presentation in key stages one and two.
Leaders have established clear end points for learning in each subject, breaking down the knowledge pupils need to acquire. Teachers revisit previous learning to help students build on their knowledge over time. While many subjects are taught in depth, some areas lack clarity regarding the specific content to be covered, which can hinder teachers’ ability to assess prior knowledge effectively.
In lessons, teachers explain concepts clearly and check for understanding, but there are instances where they do not recognize when pupils are ready to progress. This can lead to a loss of concentration and hinder overall achievement. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, including those in the resource base, ensuring that they receive appropriate support to access the curriculum.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with leaders ensuring that all staff are trained and suitable to work with children. Staff are encouraged to report any concerns promptly, and leaders engage with external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils. The school fosters a safe environment where pupils learn to manage risks, including those associated with internet use.
Overall, Cherry Orchard Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in teaching practices and expectations for handwriting, the school is committed to continuous development and ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential.
