Crestwood Park Primary School, located in Kingswinford, West Midlands, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 22 and 23, 2022. The school is characterized by a supportive environment where pupils thrive due to the attentive care provided by the staff. The strong relationships between staff, pupils, and their families contribute to a positive atmosphere that fosters learning and development. Parents and carers express overwhelming support for the school, highlighting the effective communication and involvement of staff in their children's education.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to become confident and resilient learners. From the early years in Reception through to Year 6, leaders closely monitor academic progress and well-being, ensuring that pupils with additional needs receive appropriate support. Most pupils achieve well across the curriculum, reflecting the school's commitment to educational excellence.
Crestwood Park Primary has established effective systems to address bullying, including anonymous reporting boxes and the presence of anti-bullying ambassadors. Staff respond promptly to any incidents, ensuring a safe and respectful environment. The school's SPARKS values—Smart, Polite, Aware, Respectful, Kind, and Safe—are integral to the expected behavior, promoting politeness and courtesy among pupils.
Leadership opportunities are available for all Year 6 pupils, who take on roles such as school council members and reading ambassadors, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports competitions, and fundraising events, enriching the pupils' educational experience.
Leaders have made significant improvements since the last inspection, enhancing the quality of education. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with strategies in place to help pupils retain important knowledge. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects provide sufficient opportunities for long-term memory retention. While most teachers effectively assess pupils' understanding and adjust lessons accordingly, some inconsistencies remain in identifying and addressing gaps in learning.
Professional development for staff is prioritized, with many teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge. Nonetheless, variations in curriculum delivery quality exist in a few subjects, such as mathematics, where adherence to agreed teaching methods is inconsistent. This inconsistency can impact pupil achievement.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive high-quality support, with leaders ensuring that the curriculum is adapted to meet their needs. The focus on reading is evident, with a diverse range of texts introduced to pupils, fostering a love for reading and enhancing vocabulary and comprehension skills.
The personal development curriculum is well-designed, teaching pupils about respect, relationships, and health. Pupils learn about different faiths and the importance of democratic values, actively participating in decision-making through the school council. Well-being initiatives, such as Wellbeing Wednesdays, contribute to a positive school culture, benefiting both pupils and staff.
Governors play an active role in the school, demonstrating a clear understanding of their responsibilities and being well-informed about the school's operations. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with robust systems in place to ensure pupil safety and well-being. Staff receive regular training to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns, and pupils are educated about safety, including online risks.
Overall, Crestwood Park Primary School is a good school that provides a nurturing environment for its pupils, with effective leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. However, there are areas identified for further development, particularly in ensuring consistency in teaching practices and enhancing long-term retention of knowledge across all subjects.
