Priestley Smith School, located in Birmingham, is a specialist institution dedicated to the education of pupils with visual impairments. The school has consistently demonstrated a commitment to maintaining high standards of education and care, as evidenced by its outstanding rating in previous inspections. The recent inspection, conducted in October 2024, confirmed that the school has effectively upheld the quality of education and support for its students.
The school environment is characterized by a strong sense of community among staff, parents, and pupils. Everyone involved takes pride in being part of the school, which fosters a positive atmosphere conducive to learning. The staff's dedication to understanding each pupil's individual needs is evident, and they maintain high expectations for all students. This personalized approach ensures that pupils not only receive exceptional care but also thrive academically and socially.
Innovative teaching methods and resources are employed to enhance learning experiences. The school utilizes assistive technology and tailored materials to engage pupils effectively. For instance, the reprographics team creates specialized resources that cater to the unique learning requirements of visually impaired students. Practical experiences, such as visits to local supermarkets where pupils use apps to identify products, help them gain confidence and independence in real-world situations.
The curriculum at Priestley Smith School is broad, balanced, and ambitious, designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of its pupils. Leaders have carefully mapped out the knowledge and skills that pupils should acquire, ensuring that learning is delivered in manageable steps. This approach has proven successful, as pupils make excellent progress from their starting points. The early teaching of Tactile Discrimination Skills is particularly noteworthy, as it significantly enhances pupils' awareness of shapes, patterns, and textures, thereby improving their overall learning and independence.
Reading instruction is another area of strength for the school. A clear and logical plan is in place to support pupils in becoming fluent readers, with a focus on braille instruction. The lead braille teacher plays a crucial role in ensuring that staff are well-equipped to teach this essential skill, which forms the foundation for literacy development. As a result, pupils demonstrate fluency and accuracy in reading braille by the time they reach key stage two.
The school also prioritizes personal, social, health, and economic education, equipping pupils with vital knowledge about relationships, safety, and citizenship. The well-organized careers program prepares students for future opportunities, including work experience placements in key stage four and post-16 education. This comprehensive approach ensures that pupils are well-prepared for adulthood and active participation in their communities.
Pupil attendance has shown improvement, attributed to effective communication with families and multi-agency partnerships. The school fosters a calm and supportive culture, leading to exemplary behavior among pupils. They demonstrate kindness and care for one another, contributing to a nurturing environment.
Leadership at Priestley Smith School is characterized by ambition and a drive for continuous improvement. Leaders and governors work collaboratively to enhance the educational experience for pupils, ensuring that everyone has a clear role in achieving success. The school is committed to ongoing development, as evidenced by the positive changes made in reading instruction and attendance initiatives.
Overall, Priestley Smith School stands out as an exemplary institution that effectively meets the needs of its pupils with visual impairments. The combination of high expectations, innovative teaching practices, and a supportive community creates an environment where students can flourish academically and personally. The school's commitment to excellence is evident in its achievements and the positive impact it has on the lives of its pupils.
