Tame Valley Academy, located in Birmingham, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 26 and 27, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Andrew Byrne, the school is part of the Greenheart Learning Partnership, which involves shared responsibilities among various stakeholders, including CEO Michelle Money and board chair Sean Starr. The school fosters a culture of care and respect, creating a happy and calm environment where both pupils and staff feel a strong sense of community. This positive atmosphere is reflected in the warm interactions among pupils, their families, and the staff, all of whom describe the school as a family-like setting.
Pupils at Tame Valley Academy exhibit exemplary behavior, demonstrating politeness and courtesy in all situations. The school environment is calm and purposeful, allowing pupils to achieve well academically. In class, students show enthusiasm and maintain positive attitudes toward learning. The adults in the school are dedicated to the well-being of the pupils, encouraging them to aspire to high standards and achieve their potential. This supportive culture ensures that pupils feel safe and confident, knowing that help is always available if needed.
The curriculum at Tame Valley Academy is well-structured, with high expectations set for all pupils. Subjects are designed to build on previous learning, ensuring that students can recall and apply their knowledge effectively. For instance, in mathematics, teachers emphasize the importance of recalling prior lessons to develop a solid understanding of new concepts. The curriculum is also designed to prepare pupils for their future educational steps, with collaborative learning being a key feature that enhances retention and understanding across subjects.
The school is actively working on developing subject-specific vocabulary, which has shown positive results. Teachers model the use of this vocabulary, helping pupils to articulate complex processes in subjects like geography. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in written work, where basic errors in spelling, punctuation, and handwriting are not consistently addressed. This oversight can hinder pupils from achieving their full potential.
Tame Valley Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, particularly in its support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The provision for these pupils is well-planned, with tailored resources and a nurturing environment that fosters their progress. Early education is prioritized, with a focus on phonics that helps children become confident readers from a young age. Those who struggle receive additional support to ensure they keep pace with their peers.
The wider curriculum is enriched through various trips and community visits, which pupils find engaging and beneficial for their overall development. Staff members feel supported by school leaders, who involve them in school improvement initiatives while minimizing workload impacts. The professional development opportunities provided are extensive and of high quality.
Overall, Tame Valley Academy is characterized by a strong commitment to providing a positive educational experience for all pupils, fostering personal growth and a sense of belonging. The school’s effective safeguarding measures further enhance the supportive environment, ensuring that pupils can thrive both academically and personally. While the school has many strengths, addressing the consistency of feedback on written work will be essential for further improvement.
