Stanville Primary School, located in Birmingham, has recently undergone an inspection on December 13 and 14, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is characterized by a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Strong relationships based on mutual respect are evident among pupils and staff, contributing to a supportive atmosphere. Parents and carers express appreciation for the care and support their children receive both at school and at home.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, fostering a supportive learning environment that promotes both personal and academic growth. Pupils exhibit positive behaviour and attitudes towards learning, demonstrating kindness and respect towards one another. This positive culture begins in the early years, where children adapt well to a structured routine. The school encourages leadership development among pupils, with opportunities for them to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school council and collaborating with local community support officers.
The curriculum at Stanville Primary School is ambitious and meets national standards. Leaders have carefully considered the learning needs of pupils, ensuring a coherent approach across core subjects. The curriculum is designed to prepare children effectively for future learning, particularly in the early years. Recent changes in foundation subjects are well-planned, although pupils are still in the early stages of experiencing these changes, which has led to some challenges in recalling prior learning in certain subjects.
Teachers demonstrate a strong understanding of their subjects, using this knowledge to help pupils grasp key concepts and vocabulary. However, there are areas where this understanding is not as well developed, resulting in some pupils struggling to articulate their learning and experiencing gaps in knowledge. Reading is a notable strength of the school, with a clear emphasis on fostering a love for reading. Phonics instruction begins in Reception, ensuring that children develop strong foundational reading skills. Pupils who require additional support are quickly identified and receive the necessary assistance to catch up.
Pupils generally meet the school's high expectations, displaying calmness in classrooms and consideration in their interactions. Staff effectively manage pupil concentration, quickly redirecting those who lose focus. Positive behaviour is rewarded, and pupils are motivated to excel in all aspects of school life. The school also prioritizes health education, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and online safety. While there are opportunities for personal development through visitors and educational trips, these experiences are not always cohesively integrated with the curriculum.
Governance at the school is strong, with governors demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They are committed to the school's mission and work closely with school leaders. Staff feel well-supported and express positivity about the school's direction.
The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that pupils can consistently recall key knowledge in foundation subjects and that understanding is checked effectively before progressing in the curriculum. Additionally, opportunities for enrichment beyond the classroom should be more coherently planned to enhance pupils' personal development. Overall, Stanville Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
