Coleshill Heath School, located in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, has undergone a recent inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place over three days in June and July 2021, and it marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school serves a diverse community and caters to pupils aged three to eleven, with a current enrollment of 520 students.
The school promotes a positive environment where pupils get along well and adhere to the Coleshill Heath Code, which emphasizes kindness, confidence, honesty, and courage. Pupils demonstrate respect for one another and understand the importance of diversity. They follow the school rules of being ready, respectful, and safe, contributing to a calm and focused atmosphere conducive to learning. Staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, ensuring that misbehavior is addressed swiftly to minimize disruption to learning.
The curriculum at Coleshill Heath School is well-planned and designed to provide pupils with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. Leaders have made careful choices regarding the content and experiences offered, with a focus on building knowledge in small, logical steps from Nursery through Year Six. The school places a strong emphasis on developing pupils' speaking and listening skills from an early age, which has resulted in confident communication among students.
Reading instruction is a particular strength of the school, with a robust early reading program that engages pupils from Nursery through to key stage two. Staff are well-trained in phonics and regularly assess pupils' progress, ensuring that reading materials align with their learning. This approach has led to significant progress among pupils, particularly those who struggled with reading prior to the pandemic.
Teachers employ effective strategies to help pupils retain important information and concepts, revisiting key themes regularly to reinforce learning. This method allows pupils to connect knowledge across different subjects, enhancing their overall understanding. However, there are instances where curriculum plans do not break down essential knowledge into sufficiently small steps, which can lead to gaps in learning for some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, trips, and visitors, enriching the educational experience for pupils. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, leaders have worked to maintain these opportunities, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion among students. For example, during lockdown, pupils engaged in community outreach by writing to elderly individuals who were shielding.
Safeguarding measures at Coleshill Heath School are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential abuse and to act on concerns promptly. The curriculum addresses local community challenges, teaching pupils about important issues such as substance misuse and healthy relationships. Leaders are committed to continuous improvement and have identified areas for further development, particularly in ensuring that all pupils receive the essential knowledge outlined in the curriculum.
Overall, Coleshill Heath School has made significant strides in improving its educational offerings and creating a supportive environment for its pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to ongoing development and is focused on ensuring that all students achieve their full potential. The positive feedback from parents and the community reflects the school's commitment to excellence in education.
