Cherry Oak School, located in Selly Oak, Birmingham, has undergone significant improvements since its last inspection, resulting in a good quality of education for its pupils. The school prioritizes strong relationships, beginning with the early years, where staff support children and their families during the transition into school. This focus on relationships fosters a supportive environment where staff are attuned to the emotional needs of pupils, leading to a calm atmosphere throughout the school.
Pupil safety is a top priority, with staff trained to recognize the vulnerabilities of students with special educational needs and disabilities. The school promotes effective communication strategies, ensuring that all pupils, including those who do not use verbal language, can express their needs. The motto of
ever do nothing is embodied by the staff, who are vigilant in addressing any concerns regarding pupil behavior and well-being.
The school has made strides in leadership and management, with governors taking proactive steps to stabilize the leadership team. A well-structured curriculum has been developed, designed to build knowledge and skills in a logical progression. However, there are areas where the learning expectations are not clearly defined, which can hinder the continuity of learning for some pupils.
The school employs a pathway model that allows pupils to learn alongside peers with similar needs, ensuring that the curriculum is ambitious and tailored to individual requirements. Assessment systems are in place to monitor pupil progress effectively, enabling leaders to understand how well pupils are learning.
Leaders are committed to giving all pupils a voice, particularly those with communication challenges. Each pupil has an education, health, and care plan that addresses their specific needs, including speech and language support. While the school utilizes various strategies to facilitate communication, some approaches lack precision and timely review, which can affect the learning experience for certain pupils.
A phonics program is implemented across the school, with staff skilled in teaching reading. Pupils who are not yet ready for formal phonics instruction receive daily support to develop their reading skills and foster a love for books. The school also provides a range of extracurricular experiences, including visits to local businesses and places of worship, which enhance pupils' understanding of the world and build their confidence.
Despite improvements in attendance, some pupils still struggle to attend regularly. The school has established clear strategies to support these pupils and their families, which are showing positive results. Governors fulfill their responsibilities effectively, providing support and challenge to the school, and staff are generally supportive of the changes implemented in recent years.
The safeguarding arrangements at Cherry Oak School are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum content is explicitly defined and that strategies for meeting individual pupil needs are consistently reviewed and maintained. The school is dedicated to providing a high-quality education and continues to work towards enhancing the learning environment for all pupils.
