Christ Church CofE Primary School in Oldbury, West Midlands, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on 11 and 12 October 2023. The overall judgement remains good, but the evidence suggests that the school may not achieve the same rating if a graded inspection were conducted at this time. The next inspection will be a graded one. Pupils express enjoyment in attending the school and feel a strong sense of belonging within the inclusive community. The school promotes its SHINE values, emphasizing success, happiness, inclusion, nurturing, and enrichment. Students, including those in Nursery, demonstrate growing confidence and a sense of safety in their environment.
While many pupils exhibit a positive attitude towards learning and engage attentively in lessons, some struggle with behavior, which can disrupt the learning of others. Pupils are aware of bullying and understand its various forms, noting that staff address incidents when they occur, although not all parents share this view. The new leadership team is actively working to enhance the curriculum delivery to ensure all pupils achieve their potential.
The school offers a diverse range of experiences, including deaf awareness events, trips, and community activities, which pupils appreciate. However, the quality of education is a focus for improvement. Although the curriculum is ambitious, its delivery is inconsistent across subjects, leading to some pupils not achieving their full potential. In subjects like mathematics, the school has established clear learning objectives, allowing pupils to build on their existing knowledge effectively.
The approach to teaching reading has been revised, with a strong emphasis on phonics in Reception. Parents are engaged through workshops, and the reading materials are aligned with the phonics being taught. Despite these efforts, some pupils who require additional support in reading do not receive the necessary help to become fluent readers, which hinders their overall progress.
In the early years, staff effectively help children acclimate to school life, taking time to understand their interests and routines. The school identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting teaching methods to ensure accessibility. Parents are eager to participate, as evidenced by high attendance at workshops. The focus provision for pupils with specific needs fosters independence and confidence, with staff collaborating with external specialists to enhance communication skills.
Most pupils behave well, but a minority struggle with behavior management. Inconsistencies in the recording and reporting of behavioral incidents hinder the identification of those needing additional support. The school is encouraged to ensure that behavior management systems are consistently followed to assist these pupils effectively.
Beyond academics, the school provides a variety of extracurricular activities that enrich pupils' experiences. Students show respect and curiosity about other religions and eagerly anticipate trips and fundraising events. Staff take pride in their work, and leaders are committed to ongoing improvements.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school must address the support for pupils falling behind in reading, ensure consistent curriculum delivery across subjects, and improve behavior management systems to enhance the overall educational experience. The school has a Christian ethos and is part of the Diocese of Birmingham, with a focus on continuous development and community involvement.