Hawkesley Church Primary Academy is a welcoming and happy school located in Kings Norton, Birmingham. The school operates under a strong Christian ethos, fostering a climate of respect and care among both adults and pupils. The headteacher has played a pivotal role in transforming the school, ensuring that pupils are central to every decision made. The commitment of the staff to support pupils in achieving their best is evident, with early school opening hours allowing for additional help for those who need it.
The curriculum has seen significant improvements, enabling pupils to acquire and retain knowledge effectively. While progress in reading and mathematics is commendable, younger pupils require more opportunities to practice their writing skills. Attendance remains a challenge, with some pupils not attending regularly despite the overall enjoyment of school life. Behaviour is generally good, and pupils feel safe, with a clear understanding of bullying and the school's proactive approach to addressing it. The school celebrates diversity and promotes respect for differences, ensuring that discrimination is not tolerated.
Leaders and staff have worked diligently to enhance all aspects of the school, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Investment in staff development has been substantial, with weekly coaching sessions helping to improve teaching practices. This support has led to enhanced subject knowledge among staff and a reduction in gaps in pupils' learning. The curriculum is broad and engaging, with careful consideration given to what pupils should learn. However, some subjects still require further development, particularly in history, where gaps in learning persist.
The early years provision is well-structured, with outdoor areas designed to stimulate play and learning. Children are encouraged to develop their communication and language skills through attentive adult interactions. The school environment is calm and orderly, with displays celebrating pupils' achievements and well-resourced reading areas promoting literacy.
Leaders are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, succeed. Support for struggling readers is provided through daily practice, and additional help is available for those who need it. Pupils with special educational needs are identified early, and the SENCo effectively tracks their progress, ensuring tailored support is in place.
Behaviour management is handled effectively, with a focus on recognizing strengths and addressing the root causes of poor behaviour. This approach has led to a significant reduction in recorded incidents and minimal disruption during lessons. While attendance is improving, some pupils still experience high rates of absence, which impacts their learning and progress.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, enriching the curriculum and enhancing pupils' enjoyment of school. Subject experts are invited to share their passion with pupils, and the celebration of diversity is a notable strength of the school.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety and well-trained staff who are vigilant in identifying potential risks. Pupils are educated on personal safety and appropriate relationships through various curriculum activities.
Despite the positive developments, there are areas for improvement. The evaluation and monitoring of some subjects need to be strengthened, and there should be a more balanced emphasis on writing alongside reading in phonics sessions. Additionally, attendance tracking requires closer scrutiny to identify pupils who may need further support. Overall, Hawkesley Church Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
