Hagley Primary School, located in Stourbridge, West Midlands, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as good, with outstanding ratings in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and happy, fostering a sense of pride in their school community. Pupils demonstrate kindness and respect towards one another and the staff, contributing to a positive atmosphere where bullying is rare and effectively managed when it occurs.
The school excels in providing exceptional pastoral care, offering a variety of opportunities for personal growth, including residential trips, forest school activities, and participation in choir events. Leadership roles are available for pupils, allowing them to engage in activities such as peer mediation and eco-council work. The school emphasizes the importance of fundamental British values, promoting tolerance and democracy among its students. The Thrive approach adopted by the staff plays a crucial role in supporting pupils' mental health and well-being.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, meeting the high expectations set by the staff. They engage in their learning with enthusiasm and perseverance, recalling information from various subjects and expressing a love for reading. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with daily phonics practice and regular assessments to ensure pupils develop the necessary skills to read confidently. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively, with a clear focus on language development through reading and storytelling.
In mathematics, the curriculum is structured to enhance pupils' understanding and skills, with assessments used to identify and address gaps in knowledge. The school has made significant strides in establishing a coherent curriculum across subjects, ensuring that essential knowledge is built over time. While most subjects are well-established, there are a few areas where the intended curriculum has not been fully implemented, which may affect pupils' retention of what they have learned.
Leaders at Hagley Primary School are committed to supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities. They utilize funding effectively to identify barriers to learning and provide tailored support. However, there is a need for greater focus on improving reading and writing skills for a small number of pupils with SEND to ensure they make sufficient progress.
The school fosters a strong sense of citizenship among pupils, encouraging them to take on leadership roles that positively impact the school community. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, praising the leadership and staff for their dedication and support. The governing body collaborates with leaders to ensure continuous development and improvement of the school.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with effective systems in place to protect pupils. Staff receive regular training to recognize signs of potential harm, and there are clear processes for reporting concerns. The school also educates pupils on safety in various contexts, including online environments.
To enhance its effectiveness further, the school should prioritize the reading and writing development of pupils with SEND and ensure that the intended curriculum is fully implemented across all subjects. By addressing these areas, Hagley Primary School can continue to provide a high-quality education that meets the needs of all its pupils.
