Brickhouse Primary School, located in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection took place on January 10 and 11, 2023, and the school has maintained its previous inspection grade of Good since July 2017.
The school community is characterized by a strong sense of pride and inclusivity among pupils, parents, and staff. The headteacher's passion for the school is evident, and staff collaboration contributes to a positive learning environment. High expectations for pupil behavior are set by leaders, and pupils generally respond well, resulting in calm behavior and minimal disruption during lessons. Positive relationships between pupils and adults foster a supportive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and confident in seeking help.
Pupils are educated about safety and health through initiatives like an annual health and safety week, which raises awareness of potential dangers. The presence of Molly-Mae, the school dog, further aids in alleviating fears and anxieties among pupils. The school emphasizes rich experiences, offering unique activities such as a seaside day for younger children and opportunities for older pupils to participate in concerts.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with leaders ensuring that essential knowledge is taught effectively in most subjects. However, there are areas where the curriculum lacks clarity, leading to gaps in pupils' learning. Staff training supports teachers in understanding their subjects, and assessment practices are utilized to adapt the curriculum as needed. Special educational needs and disabilities are addressed through tailored plans, allowing for effective support in the classroom.
While learning is generally engaging, some subjects do not provide enough opportunities for pupils to extend their knowledge, which can hinder their progress. Teachers strive to make lessons enjoyable, and younger pupils benefit from hands-on resources to develop foundational skills. However, there are inconsistencies in expectations regarding the presentation of work, which can result in untidy submissions.
Reading is a priority at Brickhouse Primary, with leaders providing high-quality resources to enhance pupils' reading skills from an early age. The school fosters a love for reading through well-chosen class books and encourages pupils to participate in creating reading reward systems. Regular checks ensure that pupils who struggle receive the necessary support to catch up.
Pupils exhibit polite and friendly behavior, with clear routines established from a young age. The school's behavior system promotes hard work and good conduct, and initiatives to reduce absenteeism are showing positive results. Personal development is emphasized, with opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles and participate in various clubs and charitable activities.
Staff well-being is prioritized, and leaders are attentive to their workload, fostering a family-like atmosphere within the school. Governance is strong, with governors actively involved in monitoring the school's performance and challenging leaders to ensure pupil safety and success.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and address potential issues. The school collaborates with external agencies to provide additional support for pupils and families in need. Overall, while Brickhouse Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects have clearly defined knowledge and opportunities for extending learning.
