Regents Park Community Primary School in Birmingham has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 1 and 2, 2021. The school is characterized by its high aspirations for all pupils, encapsulated in its motto, believe in yourself, anything is possible. Pupils report feeling happy and safe, with a strong sense of belonging. They appreciate the swift action taken by teachers to address any concerns, including bullying, which is not tolerated at the school.
The leadership team is committed to ensuring that pupils acquire both academic knowledge and personal development skills necessary for their future learning. A notable emphasis is placed on fostering a love for reading, supported by a well-resourced library, reading ambassadors, and various reading challenge activities. The reinstatement of wider curriculum opportunities and clubs has also excited the pupils, who take pride in their school and understand the expectations set for their behavior. Parents and carers express overwhelming positivity towards the school, highlighting the kindness and approachability of the staff.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum tailored to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Curriculum leaders ensure that teachers possess the necessary subject knowledge to effectively teach their subjects. Regular assessments of pupils' learning allow teachers to provide targeted support and address any misconceptions. The early years program is particularly strong, with a focus on language and communication skills, helping children develop positive attitudes towards learning.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with a well-structured reading program that aligns books with the phonics sounds taught. Recent improvements in early reading instruction have proven effective, enabling children to read words and simple sentences accurately. The school also provides a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, ensuring that all pupils have access to diverse reading materials. While most subjects are taught effectively, some areas, such as Spanish, music, and computing, require further development, and leaders are actively working to enhance these subjects.
Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs perform well, with leaders monitoring the effectiveness of support provided. The curriculum also emphasizes personal character development, encouraging pupils to take on responsibilities through roles such as reading ambassadors and peer mediators. This fosters confidence and communication skills, as pupils engage in discussions about their ideas and feelings in personal, social, and health education lessons.
Governors maintain a strong understanding of the school and hold leaders accountable for their performance. Staff feel supported by leadership, which effectively manages their workload. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support.
To improve further, leaders need to evaluate the impact of recently revised curriculum plans in certain subjects to ensure that pupils are retaining knowledge effectively. Additionally, some pupils are still catching up on reading skills following disruptions caused by the pandemic, and leaders should monitor the effectiveness of interventions to support these pupils in becoming confident readers. Overall, Regents Park Community Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
