Annie Lennard Primary School, located in Smethwick, West Midlands, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following an inspection in July 2019. The leadership team, including the headteacher and deputy headteacher, is committed to driving the school forward and ensuring that every pupil achieves their best. They have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses, and their improvement plans are focused on the right priorities. The school has successfully transitioned from an infant to a primary school, and leaders have made strong appointments to ensure that staff possess the necessary expertise to teach effectively across all year groups.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment at the school is also rated as good. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge, which allows them to provide clear explanations and engage pupils in their learning. Lessons are interesting and motivate pupils to participate actively. The school has implemented effective phonics teaching, which has helped pupils develop their reading skills. However, there are instances where reading materials do not align with pupils' phonetic abilities, impacting their fluency. In mathematics, pupils are given opportunities to reason and solve problems, and the teaching builds sequentially on prior learning.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, enabling them to make secure progress. The curriculum is broad, allowing pupils to acquire knowledge across various subjects. However, there are concerns regarding the depth of study in subjects like history and geography, which require further development. The school fosters positive relationships among staff and pupils, creating a caring environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Their behavior is generally good, and they respond well to the school’s reward system.
In terms of personal development, the school promotes a nurturing ethos. Pupils are encouraged to express their concerns and know that adults will support them. They understand the importance of resolving conflicts and are equipped with knowledge about staying safe, particularly online. The school’s breakfast club provides a calm start to the day, contributing to pupils' well-being. Although attendance has improved, the attendance of disadvantaged pupils remains a concern.
Outcomes for pupils are good, with attainment in writing at the end of key stage 1 above national averages. However, the proportion of pupils meeting the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check has been below average, although improvements are being made. At the end of key stage 2, progress in reading and mathematics has shown improvement, but there are still challenges regarding the progress of middle-attaining and the most able pupils, particularly in writing.
The early years provision is also rated as good. Children enter the school with skills below those typical for their age but make good progress during their time in early years. The school has taken effective action to enhance the learning environment, particularly outdoors. Adults assess children's language skills and provide tailored support to help them catch up. While children learn independently and in small groups, there are instances where adults do not consistently support them to maximize their progress.
Overall, Annie Lennard Primary School is a good school with effective leadership and management, quality teaching, and a supportive environment for pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils, especially the most able, are challenged appropriately and that the depth of study in certain subjects is enhanced. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is well-positioned to address these challenges moving forward.
