Mere Green Primary School, located in Sutton Coldfield, was inspected on January 13-14, 2015, and received an overall effectiveness rating of outstanding. This was the school's first inspection since converting to an academy in April 2013. The headteacher leads the school with exceptional skill and ambition, supported by a high-quality team of senior leaders and staff. The governing body plays a crucial role in the school's success, managing the budget effectively and holding leaders accountable for their performance.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior and have positive attitudes towards learning, demonstrating respect and care for one another. Attendance has significantly improved since the school's conversion to an academy. The school provides exemplary care and safety for its pupils, ensuring a nurturing environment conducive to learning.
Teaching across the academy, including in the Early Years, is outstanding. Teachers maintain high expectations and possess a deep understanding of the individual learning needs of their pupils. The curriculum challenges pupils of all abilities, leading to good and rapidly improving achievement levels. Disabled pupils, those with special educational needs, and disadvantaged pupils have made exceptional progress in recent years. The Early Years provision is expertly managed, allowing children to make an excellent start to their education.
The academy has benefited from its partnership with the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, which has enhanced teaching resources and leadership expertise. Inspectors observed 14 lessons, with ten conducted jointly with school leaders. They also engaged with pupils, staff, and governors, examining teaching quality and pupils' progress through various documentation and discussions.
Mere Green Primary School is slightly smaller than the average primary school, with a diverse pupil population. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average, while the percentage of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is above average. The school has a Speech, Language, and Communication Base, catering for pupils from North Birmingham. Approximately 40% of pupils are disadvantaged and receive additional support through the pupil premium.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance the presentation of pupils' work and encourage consistent responses to teachers' written feedback. The leadership and management of the school are outstanding, with a clear vision for continuous improvement. Senior leaders have effectively monitored teaching and learning, leading to sustained improvements in pupil achievement.
The school's curriculum promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, with a strong emphasis on British values. The additional sports funding has successfully increased pupil participation in various activities, particularly among older girls. The academy's commitment to equal opportunities and inclusion is evident, ensuring that all pupils can achieve their best.
The governing body has developed a strong understanding of the academy's operations and contributes significantly to its leadership. They have received training to enhance their skills in school management and maintain close relationships with staff. The governors actively monitor the quality of teaching and the use of funding for disadvantaged pupils, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.
Overall, Mere Green Primary School is a highly effective institution that provides an exceptional education for its pupils, preparing them well for their future educational endeavors. The school's commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils is evident in all aspects of its operation.
