West Heath Primary School in Birmingham has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 25-26, 2019. The school is characterized by a friendly and happy atmosphere where both pupils and staff engage positively with one another. Students express enjoyment in attending school, feeling cared for and valued, which is enhanced by the uplifting music played in the mornings. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with instances of conflict being rare and quickly resolved. The trust pupils have in the adults at the school contributes to a safe and supportive environment, with bullying being infrequent and effectively addressed when it occurs.
The quality of education at West Heath Primary is notable, particularly in reading and writing. Teachers are well-trained in the phonics program, ensuring that pupils begin to read and write at an early stage. The school effectively identifies pupils who may be falling behind and provides the necessary support to help them catch up. However, there is a small group of older pupils who do not develop their reading skills as well as expected by the time they reach Year 6. Despite this, pupils express a love for reading and enjoy listening to their teachers read aloud, which fosters a positive attitude towards literature.
Writing instruction is also largely effective, with teachers utilizing a structured curriculum to create engaging lessons that help pupils improve their writing skills over time. However, there are occasions when more capable pupils do not receive the support needed to reach their full potential in writing. The curriculum is well-planned in subjects such as physical education, science, mathematics, religious education, and computing, ensuring that pupils learn progressively from year to year. In contrast, other subjects like history, geography, music, and art lack the same level of detailed planning, which affects the depth of knowledge pupils acquire in these areas.
The school leadership is supportive of teachers, providing valuable training and considering their workload when implementing changes. The special educational needs leader plays a crucial role in helping teachers understand the challenges faced by some pupils, allowing for tailored learning experiences that promote achievement. The school emphasizes the importance of personal development, teaching pupils about values such as respect and collaboration, and fostering resilience and kindness among students.
Safeguarding measures at West Heath Primary are effective, with all staff trained to ensure the safety of children. The designated safeguarding leaders collaborate well with local authorities and other professionals to provide necessary support to pupils and their families. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe outside of school, particularly regarding internet safety.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum requires further development to ensure coherence and sequencing across all subjects. Leaders are already taking steps to enhance curriculum planning, particularly in history, where specific knowledge and skills need to be clearly defined for each period studied. Additionally, the reading and writing curriculum should be reviewed to better support the diverse needs of all pupils, especially the most able, to ensure they achieve their potential.
Overall, West Heath Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong emphasis on personal development and a supportive learning environment. The school is committed to ongoing improvement, particularly in refining its curriculum and ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to succeed academically.
