Greenholm Primary School, located in Great Barr, Birmingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 22 and 23, 2022. The school is characterized by a strong educational environment where pupils thrive and are encouraged to work hard to meet high expectations set by governors, school leaders, and staff. The positive behavior of pupils contributes significantly to a conducive learning atmosphere, allowing lessons to proceed without interruptions. Although instances of bullying do occur, staff effectively manage these situations, ensuring that pupils feel safe and informed about safety matters through a well-integrated curriculum.
The educational experience at Greenholm extends beyond traditional lessons. The school implements the ‘Greenholm Guarantee,’ which provides pupils with diverse experiences outside the classroom. Activities include visits to the school farm, where pupils care for animals, and partnerships with local theaters, enhancing their cultural exposure. For instance, Year 2 pupils were excited about an upcoming trip to see ‘The Nutcracker.’ Additionally, guest visits from local artists, such as poets, enrich the learning experience and engage pupils in creative ways.
The curriculum at Greenholm is well-structured and ambitious, promoting high achievement and enjoyment in learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in assessment practices. When children enter the school, they receive a strong start, with staff collaborating with parents to ensure readiness for school. Classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to support learning, including outdoor spaces. Early reading instruction begins promptly in Reception, with teachers reading high-quality texts daily, fostering a love for reading among children.
Pupils develop strong reading skills, a priority for school leadership. Staff are adept at identifying pupils who may struggle with reading and provide necessary support to help them catch up. Regular reading sessions with adults inspire a passion for books, and teachers utilize online resources to enhance their phonics instruction, contributing to pupils becoming fluent readers.
The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively across subjects, with teachers demonstrating a solid understanding of what pupils need to learn. While assessment occurs regularly, it is not consistently applied across all subjects, leading to gaps in pupils' retention of key knowledge. This inconsistency can hinder their future learning in certain areas.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, demonstrating attentiveness and a willingness to engage. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including music lessons and clubs in art, French, and cooking, which are well-attended. The active school council allows pupils to participate in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, with skilled staff identifying and addressing their needs effectively. The governing body plays a crucial role in providing strategic direction and support to school leaders, ensuring that the quality of education remains high. They monitor the impact of funding aimed at supporting disadvantaged pupils and collaborate with leaders to implement improvement plans.
The headteacher prioritizes staff well-being, taking steps to reduce unnecessary workloads, which is appreciated by the staff. The school has established effective safeguarding measures, with a culture of safety embedded throughout. Staff receive regular training, and safeguarding leaders are proactive in addressing concerns and patterns.
In summary, Greenholm Primary School is a good educational institution that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for growth, particularly in assessment practices, the school’s commitment to high standards and pupil well-being is evident.
