St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Birmingham has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 28 and 29 September 2022. The school fosters an environment where pupils enjoy their learning, supported by leaders and teachers who maintain high expectations. Pupils are aware of what is expected of them and engage actively in their lessons, which are designed to be both fun and stimulating. The curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to achieve commendable results.
The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite, kind, and respectful. Teachers effectively manage classroom behavior, ensuring that learning is rarely interrupted. Instances of bullying are addressed promptly, and staff play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment for all pupils. The school promotes a culture of safety, with pupils expressing appreciation for the support they receive from adults in this regard.
St Mary’s offers a variety of extracurricular activities, encouraging pupils to participate in clubs and musical opportunities, such as learning to play the ukulele and joining the school choirs. The early years foundation stage is particularly strong, with children receiving a solid start to their education. They engage in various activities, including outdoor learning, and are introduced to reading through high-quality texts, fostering a love for literature from an early age.
Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with teachers identifying pupils who may be struggling and providing additional support to help them catch up. The effective teaching of reading contributes to pupils becoming fluent readers. The curriculum is designed with clear learning sequences, and teachers are knowledgeable about the essential knowledge pupils need to acquire. They regularly assess pupils' understanding, which aids in connecting new learning with prior knowledge.
However, there are areas for improvement. Some inconsistency exists in how the curriculum is delivered across different subjects, leading to gaps in knowledge retention for some pupils. Additionally, while the school promotes its own values, the teaching of fundamental British values requires further development to ensure pupils have a comprehensive understanding of concepts such as tolerance.
The school places significant emphasis on the holistic development of pupils, providing opportunities for them to engage with the community through local projects. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive timely support, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers and achieve well.
Governance at St Mary’s is strong, with leaders and governors working collaboratively to drive improvement. Staff workload has been managed effectively, and teachers appreciate the support they receive from leadership regarding their work-life balance. The safeguarding arrangements in place are robust, with a clear culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff are well-trained, and there is effective collaboration with external agencies to support pupils in need.
To enhance the quality of education further, the school should focus on ensuring that all teachers deliver the intended curriculum effectively across all subjects. Additionally, a review of the teaching of fundamental British values is necessary to provide pupils with a clearer understanding of these important concepts. Overall, St Mary’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a positive educational experience for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement.