Featherstone Primary School is a welcoming and friendly institution located in Birmingham, West Midlands. The recent inspection conducted on December 13 and 14, 2022, rated the school as good overall, with outstanding marks in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development. The school has maintained its good status since the previous inspection in November 2019.
Pupils at Featherstone Primary School exhibit exceptional politeness and good manners, reflecting the strong relationships fostered between staff and students. The school promotes an inclusive ethos, and its motto, aspire, believe, succeed, encapsulates the high aspirations leaders have for all pupils. This is evident in the resilience and determination displayed by students in their academic work. Pupils take great pride in their school and feel safe, knowing they can approach staff with any concerns. The leadership team takes incidents of bullying seriously and addresses them promptly, contributing to the exceptional behavior observed among students.
The school offers a wide range of high-quality extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to engage in sports, outdoor pursuits, and music tuition. The Featherstone Championship Award enriches the curriculum by introducing students to various activities, including photography, gardening, and charity work. The Job Shop initiative enables pupils to explore meaningful roles within the school community, such as anti-bullying ambassadors and mental health advocates.
Leaders at Featherstone Primary School have a clear vision that is shared by staff and understood by pupils. They maintain high expectations, which are reflected in the quality of pupils' work and behavior. The governing body is actively involved, challenging leaders to ensure effective management of the school. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with a focus on essential knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils should acquire by the end of Year 6. However, there are inconsistencies in outcomes across some subjects, as teachers may not always emphasize the incremental steps necessary for pupils to achieve a solid understanding.
Pupils excel in reading, writing, and mathematics, demonstrating strong progress by the end of Year 6. Nevertheless, the performance in other subjects is variable, and some work does not build effectively on prior learning. Teachers possess good subject knowledge in most areas, utilizing resources effectively to support all learners, including those with special educational needs. However, in a few subjects, teachers' subject knowledge is less secure, which can hinder the delivery of the intended curriculum.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with phonics taught effectively. Early years pupils quickly learn letters and sounds, and they practice reading at home with the same books used in school. Support for struggling readers is timely and effective, and a diverse selection of books encourages a love of reading.
Leaders invest significant time in identifying the learning needs of children in early years, ensuring that support is provided promptly. Staff in early years demonstrate good subject knowledge, addressing misconceptions and using assessments to identify gaps in understanding. Pupils learn about different cultures and faiths, fostering acceptance and respect for diversity within the school community.
The safeguarding arrangements at Featherstone Primary School are effective, with regular training for staff to recognize signs of potential risks. Staff are vigilant and responsive to concerns, ensuring timely referrals to appropriate agencies when necessary. Pupils receive education on staying safe both online and offline, participating in community safety projects.
Overall, while Featherstone Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent subject knowledge among staff to enhance the quality of teaching across all subjects.
