St Margaret’s At Hasbury CofE Primary School in Halesowen, West Midlands, has been rated as good overall following its inspection on April 19 and 20, 2023. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good, while personal development has been rated as outstanding.
Pupils at St Margaret’s enjoy a nurturing and inclusive environment where mutual respect and kindness are integral to daily life. The school fosters a calm and happy atmosphere, and pupils demonstrate good behavior. They have a strong bond with staff, who are approachable and supportive. The school’s Christian values of love, respect, trust, forgiveness, and courage are evident in the pupils' behavior and interactions. Pupils appreciate the importance of diversity and express that the school teaches them to embrace individuality.
Leaders have implemented tailored support for all pupils, ensuring that their high ambitions are met. Teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to help all pupils succeed. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in community service and develop citizenship skills, such as becoming mental health champions and participating in charity work. Pupils actively contribute to their community, including efforts to preserve local nature and improve public spaces.
The curriculum is well-structured and ambitious, allowing pupils to build knowledge progressively. Leaders quickly identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting the curriculum to ensure these pupils can access learning effectively. Early years education is also well-designed, preparing children for the challenges of key stage one. Most teachers create engaging activities that help pupils retain knowledge over time. However, some teachers need to improve their use of assessment during lessons to identify and address misconceptions promptly.
Reading is prioritized, with children starting to learn phonics as soon as they enter school. While the phonics program is well-delivered, there are instances where the reading materials do not align with the phonics knowledge of the pupils, hindering their fluency. Older pupils enjoy reading and are encouraged to explore a variety of literature, including reading to younger students.
Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of equality and respect for diverse family structures. The school library contains books that broaden pupils' perspectives beyond their local community. Regular trips and visitors enrich the curriculum, and many pupils participate in extracurricular activities, including music lessons.
Leaders excel in promoting personal development, fostering strong connections with the church and the wider community. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, which helps them develop character and independence. The governing body is aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, providing rigorous oversight of educational quality. Staff express pride in their work environment, noting that leaders prioritize their well-being and workload management.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. Regular training ensures that staff are equipped to identify and report concerns. Leaders maintain open communication with parents and external agencies to provide timely support for pupils. The curriculum includes lessons on risk management, ensuring pupils know they can seek help from trusted adults.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that all reading materials closely match the phonics skills of individual pupils, allowing them to practice and achieve fluency. Additionally, teachers should enhance their assessment practices during lessons to better identify and address learning gaps. Overall, St Margaret’s At Hasbury CofE Primary School is making commendable progress in providing quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
