Forestdale Primary School, located in Frankley, Birmingham, has undergone a recent inspection that highlights its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on the 19th and 20th of October 2022, and the school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good.
Pupils at Forestdale Primary School enjoy their time at the school, which is characterized by a friendly atmosphere. Staff members collaborate effectively to support students, and parents appreciate the assistance provided to their children. The school fosters a sense of safety among pupils, who are encouraged to work hard and develop positive relationships with one another. While pupils generally behave well and treat each other with respect, there are occasional instances where they may not make the best choices. However, they are aware that adults are available to help them resolve any issues. Instances of bullying are reported to occur occasionally, but staff address these situations promptly.
The leadership team has established high expectations for pupils, resulting in good achievement across most subjects. The curriculum is clearly defined in many areas, although there are some subjects where this clarity is less developed. Pupils are becoming more confident in expressing their ideas and engaging in discussions about their learning. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips, which pupils enjoy. Notably, leaders have invested in providing free musical instrument lessons for all pupils in key stage two, broadening their opportunities beyond the standard curriculum.
The curriculum at Forestdale Primary School is ambitious and well-structured in most subjects, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge. For instance, the refreshed mathematics curriculum helps teachers understand the specific knowledge pupils need to acquire and the appropriate timing for instruction. Assessment strategies are effectively employed in many subjects to reinforce learning, such as the use of quizzes in science. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum design is not as robust, and leaders have not clearly identified the essential knowledge pupils should learn or the timing of instruction. This has resulted in some pupils not achieving their full potential in those areas.
The phonics curriculum has seen positive improvements, with staff consistently following the same approach to teaching sounds. This consistency ensures that pupils learn to read effectively, and those at risk of falling behind receive additional support. In the early years, children adapt well to school life due to the well-trained staff who understand their needs. The curriculum promotes essential communication and social skills, enabling children to interact positively with one another.
Leaders are attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support to access the same curriculum as their peers. The school has implemented resources to support pupils' mental health and well-being, helping them manage their emotions effectively. A range of experiences, including visits to diverse locations, enriches pupils' understanding of the world and fosters tolerance and respect for others.
The governing body plays an active role in overseeing the school's vision and ensuring that staff feel supported in their roles. Regular training and monitoring of safeguarding practices contribute to a safe environment for pupils. Overall, while Forestdale Primary School has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum in certain subjects and enhancing monitoring practices to ensure consistent delivery of the curriculum across all areas.
