Frederick Bird Primary School, located in Coventry, West Midlands, was inspected on 10 and 11 May 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, which reflects ongoing challenges in various areas of the educational experience. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision were all assessed as requiring improvement, while personal development was rated as good. This inspection follows a previous evaluation in June 2019, which also indicated a need for improvement.
The school is characterized by a welcoming and caring environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The diverse community is celebrated, and support is provided to those who arrive speaking different languages. Relationships between pupils and staff are positive, and there is a clear understanding among pupils about bullying and its implications. While most pupils behave well during lessons, there are instances where school rules are not consistently followed outside the classroom.
Leadership at Frederick Bird Primary School has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, certain aspects of the curriculum are not fully developed, leading to gaps in learning across subjects. Although leaders have identified areas for improvement and have a clear vision for the school, many initiatives are still in the early stages of implementation, limiting their immediate impact.
The school has prioritized early reading, and the phonics program is effectively delivered. Pupils are provided with reading materials that align with their learning, which has resulted in improved accuracy and fluency. However, some pupils are not progressing as quickly as expected, particularly those who require additional support. Older students express enjoyment in discussing their favorite books and utilizing the school library.
In the early years, a new curriculum has been introduced, focusing on key learning objectives for Nursery and Reception. The environment is designed to encourage exploration and engagement. The curriculum is broad and balanced, but recent developments have not yet translated into significant improvements in pupil learning outcomes.
Teaching practices do not always align with the curriculum's intentions, leading to instances where misconceptions are not adequately addressed. Assessment strategies are inconsistently applied, resulting in a lack of clarity regarding pupil understanding and progress. Some teachers struggle to tailor their lessons to meet the diverse needs of their students, which hampers overall learning.
Attendance remains a concern, with some pupils missing too much school. Leaders have implemented strategies to enhance attendance, but challenges persist. While pupils generally exhibit positive attitudes toward learning, inconsistent application of behavior management policies by staff contributes to lapses in expected routines.
The curriculum for personal, social, health, and economic education is well-structured, and a variety of extracurricular activities enrich the learning experience. Pupils learn about respect, diversity, and the importance of positive relationships. Leaders provide strong pastoral support for pupils and their families, and staff feel supported in their roles.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety established within the school. Staff are well-trained to identify and address potential risks, and appropriate checks are conducted on new staff members.
To improve, the school must enhance the identification of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that teachers are equipped to meet their needs effectively. Subject curriculums need to be better sequenced to facilitate effective learning progression. Training in assessment strategies is essential for teachers to address misconceptions and adapt lessons accordingly. Consistency in behavior management practices must be reinforced, and efforts to improve attendance should continue to ensure all pupils have the opportunity to succeed.
