Pedmore CE Primary School is recognized as a good school where students thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment. The school fosters a strong sense of community, emphasizing values such as respect, trust, happiness, and compassion. These core values guide students in their daily lives, contributing to a positive atmosphere where the majority of parents express satisfaction with the school's performance. The leadership team, including governors and staff, maintains high expectations for student achievement, encouraging pupils to embrace challenges and work diligently. As a result, most students achieve high standards in reading, writing, and mathematics by the time they graduate.
In addition to core subjects, students excel in areas like science and music, with opportunities to learn musical instruments and participate in concerts. The school also offers outdoor classroom experiences and forest school activities, which enhance students' confidence and love for learning. The emphasis on personal responsibility is evident, as students take on important roles within the school community, contributing to worship, reflection, and environmental stewardship. They demonstrate a mature understanding of acceptable behavior, recognizing that bullying is intolerable and would be addressed promptly. Students feel safe and secure in their school environment.
The leadership at Pedmore CE Primary School is characterized by knowledgeable and collaborative individuals who work towards continuous improvement. Subject leaders appreciate the support and constructive feedback from governors, which fosters a culture of growth. The curriculum is designed to promote personal development, encouraging students to engage in discussions about moral dilemmas and life choices. Students enjoy participating in clubs and educational trips, further enriching their school experience.
The school is inclusive, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully integrated into all aspects of the curriculum. Well-trained teaching assistants provide essential support, enabling these students to overcome challenges and achieve their potential. Subject leaders have identified key knowledge and skills for students to master, facilitating effective assessment and progression in learning. For instance, Year 6 students demonstrated their understanding of the circulatory system, linking it to prior knowledge of the digestive system.
Mathematics instruction is particularly strong, with staff learning from one another and external sources to enhance teaching quality. Students enjoy tackling complex mathematical problems and can articulate their reasoning confidently. This high standard of teaching is evident across all year groups, including early years, where children engage with mathematical concepts effectively.
Writing instruction is also well-structured, with logical sequences of work that balance new content with opportunities for practice. Creative writing tasks linked to quality literature inspire students to write for various purposes and audiences. Early reading is prioritized, with clear expectations for what students should achieve by the end of each term. Most pupils become fluent readers by the end of Year 2, with many reaching high standards.
However, there are areas for improvement. In Years 3 to 6, clarity regarding the development of reading comprehension skills is lacking, leading to inconsistent progress among some students. Leaders are aware of the need to enhance the reading curriculum and ensure that all pupils are exposed to a diverse range of authors and text types. The school is committed to addressing these challenges to further improve student outcomes.
Overall, Pedmore CE Primary School is a well-led institution that prioritizes student well-being and academic success, creating a positive and enriching educational experience for all its pupils.
