Ashwood Park Primary School, located in Stourbridge, West Midlands, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted several strengths and areas for improvement. The school is known for its welcoming environment, where all students, including those from the Resource Base for the Deaf, feel valued and included. The use of sign language among staff and students fosters a culture of inclusion, which is commendable.
The school has made strides in raising expectations regarding pupil behavior. Students are aware of the importance of the school's behavioral rules and are eager to adhere to them. This positive attitude towards behavior is evident from the early years, with children learning to interact well with one another. During social times, pupils of all ages engage happily, showcasing a supportive community.
In terms of academic engagement, pupils demonstrate a keen interest in learning and take pride in their work. However, the inspection revealed that a significant number of students, particularly those who are disadvantaged, do not achieve the expected academic standards by the time they leave the school. This is a critical area that the school needs to address to ensure all pupils reach their full potential.
The early years provision at Ashwood Park is strong, with children receiving effective support in their development. The school has implemented a phonics scheme that is yielding positive results, helping pupils who struggle with reading to make rapid progress. Despite these strengths, there are inconsistencies in how the curriculum is delivered across different classes. Some teachers do not effectively utilize assessment information to inform their teaching, leading to gaps in knowledge and understanding among pupils.
The curriculum has undergone several changes in recent years, resulting in a broad and ambitious framework for learning. However, the implementation of this curriculum varies, and there are instances where key knowledge is not clearly identified or sequenced. This inconsistency can hinder the cumulative building of knowledge, impacting overall pupil achievement. Many students leave the school without the necessary skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, which are essential for their future success.
The school has made commendable efforts to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Their needs are well identified, and appropriate adaptations are made to teaching methods to ensure they can access the curriculum effectively. The Resource Base for the Deaf provides tailored support, allowing these pupils to thrive academically and socially.
Attendance has improved significantly, with the school fostering a culture that values regular attendance. The number of persistently absent pupils has decreased, indicating effective pastoral support. Pupils are educated about safety and understand the risks they may encounter, which is an important aspect of their personal development.
Leadership and management at Ashwood Park are areas that require improvement. While governors and school leaders are dedicated to supporting pupils and families, there is a need for a more rigorous focus on improving pupil outcomes. The school improvement strategies lack precision and urgency, which affects the pace of progress for all groups of pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged.
Parents and carers express satisfaction with the development of their children at Ashwood Park, noting the positive experiences their children have at school. The overall effectiveness of the school is currently rated as requiring improvement, with specific attention needed on curriculum delivery, assessment practices, and ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential. The school is aware of these challenges and is working towards addressing them, but progress must be accelerated to ensure that all students leave with the skills and knowledge they need for future success. The commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment remains a strong point for Ashwood Park Primary School, and with focused efforts, it can enhance its educational outcomes.
