Blakenall Heath Junior School, located in Bloxwich, Walsall, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on January 25 and 26, 2022. The school prioritizes the well-being of its pupils, ensuring they feel safe and happy. Staff members are dedicated to fostering a positive environment, encouraging a mindset of perseverance among students, which is reflected in the school motto displayed on their uniforms. Classrooms are characterized by a vibrant atmosphere where pupils engage attentively with their teachers and peers. Most students demonstrate a strong focus on their learning, and additional support is provided to vulnerable pupils to help them overcome challenges.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students understanding the rewards for hard work and the consequences of poor choices. They cultivate strong friendships and show respect for one another, distinguishing between normal disagreements and bullying. The school takes incidents of bullying seriously, working collaboratively with students and parents to prevent recurrence. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with music being a notable strength. Pupils develop skills in playing various instruments, including the violin and flute. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, school leaders have reviewed the curriculum in key subjects such as reading, mathematics, science, and physical education, with plans underway to enhance other subjects to ensure consistent achievement across the board.
The school has made thoughtful adjustments to its curriculum, particularly in subjects like mathematics, music, and physical education, where knowledge is built logically. Teachers allocate time for practice before introducing new concepts, leading to positive outcomes for pupils. Reading is emphasized, with a focus on improving comprehension skills. A phonics program has been introduced for early readers, although staff training in phonics instruction has been insufficient, resulting in some pupils not progressing as quickly as they should.
In other subjects, leaders have outlined desired learning outcomes for each year, but the implementation of this framework is still in its early stages, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge in certain areas. Teachers receive training to effectively teach various subjects, ensuring clear explanations and fostering vocabulary development. Most pupils with special educational needs receive ample practice in their learning areas, although there are instances where targets set by teachers do not align with pupils' needs.
Leaders and governors are aware of the school's strengths and weaknesses and are focused on improving the curriculum. However, there is a need for closer monitoring of the impact of their actions to facilitate quicker improvements. Staff effectively manage pupil behavior, resulting in minimal disruptions during lessons. Pupils requiring additional support for emotional or behavioral issues receive high-quality assistance, enabling them to engage in learning.
Pupils learn to respect diversity and understand different beliefs and characteristics. They are educated on personal care, such as dental hygiene, and participate in trips and after-school clubs to broaden their experiences, despite challenges posed by the pandemic. The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with pupils feeling secure and able to share concerns with trained counselors. Staff are attentive to signs of potential harm and respond promptly to any issues raised.
To enhance the curriculum, leaders must ensure it is well-planned and sequenced across all subjects. There is a need for further training in phonics instruction to support the weakest readers. Additionally, leaders and governors should develop a more detailed understanding of pupil progress to facilitate timely improvements. Overall, Blakenall Heath Junior School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
