Chad Vale Primary School, located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 3 and 4, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils and parents expressing pride in being part of the ‘Chad Vale family.’ The school promotes a family ethos through its house system, encouraging competition and collaboration among pupils of different ages. This approach allows students to interact and build relationships across year groups, enhancing their social development.
Pupils are encouraged to exhibit politeness and care towards one another, with older students showing consideration for younger peers. Parents appreciate the school’s nurturing environment, often describing it as having a village feel within the city. Students report that behavior is generally good, and they feel safe, with confidence that any incidents of bullying would be addressed effectively by staff. The relationships between adults and pupils are characterized by mutual respect, and pupils value the strong pastoral support available to them.
The staff at Chad Vale Primary School are dedicated to the academic success of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has high expectations for student performance, and pupils respond positively, working hard and achieving commendable results. They express enjoyment in their lessons and appreciate the meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills through various responsibilities and extracurricular activities.
The school has made significant strides in improving phonics instruction, with teachers regularly monitoring the progress of Reception class students and providing timely support to those who may be falling behind. This focus has led to strong reading outcomes, and pupils across all age groups enjoy reading and being read to. However, there is a noted need for a broader variety of book types in the reading curriculum.
Chad Vale Primary School has developed an ambitious curriculum that is currently under review for further enhancement. Some subject leaders have yet to clearly define the essential knowledge that all pupils should acquire, which can hinder students' ability to build on their existing knowledge and retain key concepts over time. The school effectively identifies and meets the needs of all pupils, ensuring that support is provided promptly, particularly for those with SEND.
The school maintains high behavioral expectations, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere where pupils are attentive and engaged. However, some students may benefit from developing more self-help strategies. Staff are committed to the holistic development of pupils, promoting awareness of mental and physical health through various activities beyond the standard curriculum.
While the personal development curriculum has strengths, it requires further development to ensure pupils are fully prepared for life in modern Britain. The school promotes understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures and faiths, but there is room for improvement in teaching pupils about fundamental British values such as democracy and individual liberty.
Leadership and management at Chad Vale Primary School are effective, with staff feeling well-supported during changes. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To enhance its offerings, the school should focus on refining the personal development curriculum and clearly outlining essential knowledge across subjects to deepen pupils' understanding and readiness for future challenges.
