Old Hill Primary School, located in Cradley Heath, West Midlands, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, achieving a Good rating in various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a positive and safe environment where pupils feel valued and supported. The strong sense of community is evident as staff, pupils, and parents take pride in their school. Pupils exhibit politeness and respect towards one another and adults, and they actively engage with visitors, sharing their experiences and responsibilities within the school.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with positive friendships and a supportive atmosphere that minimizes instances of bullying. Staff are proactive in addressing any issues that arise, contributing to a conducive learning environment. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that pupils reach their full potential, and the curriculum is designed to promote good progress across a range of subjects. By the time pupils leave Old Hill Primary School, they are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
The school has made significant strides in developing its curriculum, ensuring that knowledge is built logically over time. Teachers frequently revisit key concepts, aiding pupils in retaining important information. For instance, in science, pupils start with basic concepts of forces before progressing to more complex ideas like magnetism. The leadership team prioritizes staff development, providing resources and training to enhance teachers' subject knowledge. However, there remains some inconsistency in staff expertise, which can affect the quality of learning experiences for pupils.
Reading skills are a focal point for improvement, with a new phonics approach recently introduced. While most pupils achieve fluency in reading by the end of Year 2, some staff are still refining their delivery of this new method. The school effectively identifies pupils needing additional support, ensuring that nearly all pupils become proficient readers by the time they leave.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with early identification of their needs and collaboration with parents and external agencies. This ensures that these pupils can access a broad curriculum and make good progress. In the early years, children experience a calm and engaging introduction to school life, with adults effectively fostering their learning and curiosity.
Despite the positive environment, attendance remains a challenge, with some pupils not attending regularly enough. Leaders are actively working with families to address this issue. The school's personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum promotes tolerance and respect, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. Governors are committed to the school, although their scrutiny has been impacted by the pandemic, necessitating a renewed focus on evaluating the effectiveness of leadership actions.
Staff express satisfaction with the support they receive from leaders, appreciating efforts to reduce workload and promote well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring that all adults understand their responsibilities in keeping pupils safe. Pupils feel secure and are educated about maintaining positive relationships and knowing whom to approach with concerns. Overall, Old Hill Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils, while also recognizing areas for continued improvement.
