Quarry Bank Primary School, located in Brierley Hill, West Midlands, has undergone a recent inspection that highlighted significant improvements since its previous evaluation. The school is now rated as good overall, with outstanding early years provision. The inspection took place from March 3 to March 4, 2020, and the findings reflect a positive shift in the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Pupils express pride in their school and enjoy a safe and welcoming environment. They engage in various roles and responsibilities, contributing positively to the school community. The new headteacher has effectively motivated staff and implemented decisive actions to enhance the school's performance. The curriculum is designed to promote strong progress, allowing pupils to make connections across different subjects. Teachers maintain high expectations, and there is a clear recognition of the positive changes that have been made.
The commitment of school leaders to improvement is evident, as they have developed a curriculum that builds on pupils' prior knowledge. Reading, writing, and mathematics are areas where pupils are achieving well. The headteacher's leadership has been pivotal in these advancements, with subject leaders beginning to take on more responsibility for their areas. However, some subject leaders need to enhance their monitoring of curriculum delivery to ensure continuous improvement.
Reading is prioritized across the school, with a new approach to teaching that has proven effective. Pupils engage with high-quality texts, and all students, including those with special educational needs, are developing their reading skills. The phonics program is well-structured, enabling pupils to make rapid progress in their reading abilities. Mathematics instruction is also well-planned, with a consistent approach that supports pupils in understanding key concepts.
In the early years, children quickly adapt to established routines and engage in activities that foster curiosity and creativity. The curriculum is designed to motivate children, ensuring they develop strong language skills and an understanding of their surroundings. The school promotes active citizenship, with pupils participating in community roles and discussing important global issues such as climate change.
While the school offers some extracurricular activities, pupils have expressed a desire for a broader range of options beyond sports. Additionally, there are instances where pupils rely too heavily on adult support, which can hinder their ability to work independently. To address this, teachers are encouraged to tailor support to individual needs, fostering greater independence in learning.
The safeguarding arrangements at Quarry Bank Primary School are effective, with well-trained staff who take prompt action to ensure pupil safety. The curriculum includes essential safety education, covering topics such as road safety and online safety. Overall, the school has made commendable progress, but there are areas for further development, particularly in empowering subject leaders and expanding extracurricular offerings to cater to a wider range of interests. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and with ongoing support, the school is well-positioned to enhance its educational offerings further.
