Yardley Primary School, located in Birmingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 19 and 20, 2023. The school is committed to providing a supportive and challenging environment for all its pupils, encouraging them to work hard and behave well. The core values of the school emphasize the importance of inspiring and aspiring, alongside teamwork, which fosters a collaborative and harmonious learning atmosphere.
The curriculum at Yardley Primary School has seen significant enhancements, with investments in new books and materials that equip staff with the necessary resources to effectively teach pupils. Improvements in early reading and mathematics instruction have resulted in the majority of pupils meeting age-related expectations. The diverse range of subjects offered, particularly the popularity of mathematics, contributes to pupils' enjoyment and engagement in their learning.
Pupils at Yardley Primary School exhibit happiness and enthusiasm in their studies, feeling secure in the knowledge that staff care about their well-being. The school prioritizes safeguarding, ensuring that pupils are educated on how to stay safe outside of school, covering topics such as stranger danger and online safety. The curriculum is designed to reflect the diverse community it serves, allowing pupils to build essential knowledge and skills progressively from early years through to Year 6.
Teachers at the school demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively check pupils' understanding through skillful questioning. They provide timely feedback and address misconceptions during lessons. However, the school acknowledges that its systems for assessing pupils' learning over time could be improved, particularly in certain subjects, to provide a clearer picture of what pupils can do and remember.
Yardley Primary School is inclusive, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are fully integrated into school life. The school adapts activities to meet the needs of these pupils, providing additional resources and support to help them succeed. The teaching of early reading has improved significantly, with a robust phonics program in place that has led to more pupils achieving expected standards.
Behaviour at the school is commendable, with pupils adhering to the established behaviour policy and routines. The school actively monitors attendance and provides support to families facing challenges with regular attendance. Despite these efforts, improving attendance remains a challenge, as some pupils miss important lessons, impacting their learning and achievement.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that promote personal development and extend pupils' interests and skills. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, allowing them to engage with their community and develop a sense of citizenship. The school fosters an understanding of British values, encouraging respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Continuous professional development for staff is a priority, with many teachers pursuing additional qualifications. The school is mindful of staff workload and well-being, which is appreciated by the staff. While there are effective systems in place to track progress in some subjects, the monitoring of curriculum implementation and assessment lacks rigor in certain areas.
Governors are well-informed and provide appropriate support and challenge to the school. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school should enhance its assessment methods in foundation subjects, increase oversight of curriculum areas, and work on reducing persistent absenteeism among pupils. Overall, Yardley Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the development and well-being of its pupils.
