Bleakhouse Primary School, located in Oldbury, West Midlands, has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The school has successfully integrated following the amalgamation with the former infant school in September 2020, fostering a friendly and inclusive community where staff demonstrate genuine care for all pupils. The leadership team is ambitious for every student, ensuring that they feel safe and valued. Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and appreciate the support available from adults when facing challenges, including bullying, which is addressed promptly.
The school environment promotes respect and friendship among pupils, who exhibit pride in their school. They navigate the premises calmly and engage enthusiastically in lessons, demonstrating determination in their work. A diverse range of in-school and extracurricular activities enriches the pupils' learning experiences, allowing them to explore themes of equality and fairness. Leadership roles, such as being part of the Bleakhouse bookworms or school councillors, provide pupils with opportunities to contribute to the school community, including fundraising events.
The leadership team has collaborated effectively with governors to establish a cohesive school culture, focusing on an ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils. The curriculum planning is nearly complete across all subjects, outlining what pupils will learn from Nursery to Year 6. Teachers utilize this framework to guide their lesson planning, and leaders organize enriching experiences to enhance the curriculum. However, there is a need for further development in identifying subject-specific vocabulary to aid pupils in articulating their learning effectively.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with staff receiving ongoing training in early reading instruction. This emphasis has resulted in strong reading skills among pupils, who are provided with appropriate books to practice their skills. Timely support is available for those requiring additional help, ensuring that all pupils develop into confident readers. The school fosters a love for reading through shared storytime and well-maintained book areas that reflect diverse cultures and themes.
While assessment strategies in reading are effective, there is inconsistency in other subjects, which can hinder the identification of knowledge gaps. The early years provision is characterized by a calm and purposeful learning environment where children engage in imaginative play and develop their communication skills. Positive relationships between staff and children encourage a supportive atmosphere for learning.
The school demonstrates strong leadership in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring early identification and effective support. Good partnerships with external agencies further enhance the assistance available to these pupils. Overall, pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and take pride in their achievements, understanding the importance of the school's values in their daily lives.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bleakhouse Primary School are effective, with robust systems in place for reporting and addressing concerns. Staff receive regular training, and leaders ensure that pupils are educated about various safety issues. To improve further, the school should focus on embedding consistent assessment strategies across all subjects and refining curriculum planning to include specific vocabulary that supports pupils' understanding and communication.
