The Dame Ellen Pinsent School, located in Kings Heath, Birmingham, has been recognized for its outstanding educational provision. The recent ungraded inspection conducted on June 25 and 26, 2024, confirmed that the school maintains its overall judgment of outstanding. However, it was noted that if a graded inspection were to occur now, the results might not reflect the same high standards. The next inspection is expected to be a graded one.
The school is characterized by strong relationships among staff, pupils, and families, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Pupils receive exceptional care and support, contributing to their happiness and sense of safety. The school has high expectations for behavior, and instances of unkindness are rare. Concerns regarding behavior are addressed promptly, and pupils are encouraged to embody the school’s values, which include kindness, respect, and determination. The house system fosters a sense of community, with pupils earning points and rewards for demonstrating these values.
The school effectively understands and addresses the complex needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Staff collaborate closely with various external agencies to ensure that appropriate provisions are made swiftly. This commitment to understanding and supporting pupils and their families is evident throughout the school.
Pupils' talents and interests are nurtured through a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including music lessons and various clubs. The curriculum is designed to promote independence and confidence, providing pupils with a broad array of experiences that help them engage with the world around them. The school operates three learning pathways tailored to meet the needs of pupils with similar requirements, although there are areas within the curriculum where the progression of knowledge and skills could be better defined.
While the curriculum is well-resourced and engaging, there are inconsistencies in how knowledge and skills are sequenced across different subjects. Some lessons focus more on experiences rather than clearly identifying the essential knowledge pupils should acquire. This can hinder the academic potential of some pupils. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with effective phonics instruction and additional support for those who need it.
The school is dedicated to meeting the communication needs of its pupils, employing specialist staff to implement various communication systems. However, there is variability in how these strategies are applied, which can affect some pupils' ability to communicate effectively throughout the school day.
The curriculum also emphasizes pupils' wider development, offering numerous outdoor ventures and community engagement opportunities. This approach helps build pupils' confidence and resilience. Attendance is closely monitored, and the school has seen improvements in this area due to its proactive measures.
Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the education and support their children receive, and the school is well-regarded within the local community and by external professionals. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to ensure consistent implementation of communication strategies across all classrooms and define the specific knowledge and skills pupils should learn in all areas of the curriculum. Addressing these areas will help maximize the academic potential of all pupils and enhance the overall educational experience at The Dame Ellen Pinsent School.
