Rookery School, located in Handsworth, Birmingham, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school provides a well-structured curriculum that supports pupils in achieving high academic standards. The leadership has fostered a culture where the school’s values are integral to daily activities, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities. These opportunities are thoughtfully aligned with the curriculum, allowing pupils to engage in music, sports, and educational trips that enhance their learning experiences.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior both in classrooms and throughout the school, reflecting the values instilled by the leadership. The school environment is described as harmonious, with pupils feeling supported by adults when facing challenges. However, attendance remains a concern, as some pupils do not attend regularly enough, which the leadership acknowledges and is actively working to improve.
The curriculum is particularly strong in literacy, with a systematic approach to early reading that positions pupils for success. The early years program is designed to ensure that children are well-prepared for the transition to key stage one, focusing on essential skills in speaking, reading, writing, and mathematics. The phonics program is effectively implemented, enabling children to become confident readers early in their education. Older pupils demonstrate an understanding of the importance of reading widely, often discussing their favorite books with enthusiasm.
In key stages one and two, the curriculum is designed around high-quality texts, ensuring that every theme is connected to a book. Teachers are skilled in delivering this curriculum, which results in pupils articulating their learning experiences eloquently. However, there are instances where the curriculum is not fully embedded in certain subjects, leading to variability in delivery quality. Leaders are aware of these discrepancies and are committed to providing targeted professional development to staff to enhance curriculum delivery across all subjects.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, offering a rich array of experiences that extend beyond academic expectations. The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education provided is of high quality, allowing pupils to reflect on their beliefs and understand diverse perspectives. Leaders have a clear vision for the school, supported by well-understood policies among staff. The governing body is actively involved in reviewing school outcomes and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support the school’s objectives.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of vigilance. Staff are well-trained to identify and report concerns, and the safeguarding team is dedicated to providing the best support for pupils and their families. Recruitment checks are thorough, and pupils are educated about managing risks and potential dangers.
Despite the school’s strengths, challenges remain, particularly regarding attendance, especially among disadvantaged pupils. Leaders are focused on implementing strategies to improve attendance rates, ensuring that all pupils have consistent access to education. Additionally, the curriculum requires further embedding in some areas to ensure uniformity in teaching quality. Overall, Rookery School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
