Sundridge Primary School, located in Kingstanding, Birmingham, has recently undergone an inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Sundridge Primary School are greeted warmly each day, fostering a positive atmosphere that encourages them to engage in their learning. The school maintains high expectations for all students, with teachers actively identifying areas for improvement in their work. This approach motivates pupils to strive for excellence. The school also provides opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school council, which has contributed to meaningful changes in school policies, including the behaviour policy.
The curriculum is enriched through carefully selected activities, including visits from theatre groups and daily swimming sessions in small groups, which enhance pupils' skills. Behaviour throughout the school is commendable, with positive relationships between staff and pupils. Staff are attentive to pupils' needs, creating a safe environment where students feel comfortable expressing their concerns.
Reading is prioritized from the moment pupils join the school, with a structured phonics program that ensures daily practice and regular assessments to match pupils with appropriate learning levels. Staff training in phonics has proven effective, leading to good progress among pupils, including those who face challenges in learning to read. The school is committed to supporting all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, by adapting work to ensure they can achieve the same outcomes as their peers. However, there are instances where the most able pupils are not consistently challenged, as they may be assigned tasks they have already mastered or not receive more complex work in a timely manner.
The school is currently reviewing its curriculum to ensure that previous learning is effectively recalled and built upon. While most subjects have appropriate planning and assessments, some foundation subjects lack clearly defined key knowledge and skills, which can hinder pupils' ability to build a solid foundation for future learning. The early years provision is well-organized, providing a stimulating environment that prepares children for their transition to Year 1.
Pupils report that while minor conflicts may occur on the playground, bullying is rare, and they trust that staff will address any issues promptly. The school is actively working to improve attendance, although its analysis of attendance data could be more thorough to identify underlying causes of absence.
The personal development of pupils is a key focus, with assemblies promoting social awareness and understanding of British values. The school maintains strong relationships with families and collaborates with external agencies to provide necessary support. Leaders are dedicated to continuous improvement, consulting with staff to ensure their well-being is considered in decision-making processes. Governors are knowledgeable about the school and effectively support and challenge leaders to make informed decisions for the benefit of all pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at Sundridge Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. However, the school needs to enhance its analysis of collected data to identify barriers affecting pupils and to refine its curriculum in certain subjects to ensure comprehensive knowledge acquisition. Additionally, strategies should be established to ensure all pupils can reach their full potential across all subjects.
