Astwood Bank Primary School, located in Redditch, Worcestershire, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on December 13 and 14, 2023, and the school received an overall effectiveness rating of good, with outstanding ratings in several key areas including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Deborah Yarnold, leads the school, which is part of the Shires Multi Academy Trust.
The school is characterized by its inclusive environment, where all pupils are welcomed by friendly staff. There is a strong sense of community, with pupils, parents, and carers feeling like part of an extended family. The school places significant emphasis on developing pupils' character, providing them with a wide range of opportunities that prepare them to be well-rounded citizens. Pupils engage in charitable activities, learning valuable skills such as budgeting through initiatives like running a café for parents. The curriculum for personal development is exceptional, contributing to the overall positive atmosphere of the school.
Astwood Bank Primary School has high expectations for pupil behaviour, and students consistently meet these expectations, demonstrating pride in their school. They understand the importance of representing their school positively and wear the school badge with pride. The early years education is robust, providing strong foundations for children's learning. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well supported, with their needs identified early and effectively addressed.
Parents and the wider community express high levels of satisfaction with the school, feeling proud of their children's education at Astwood Bank Primary. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, particularly in mathematics, where pupils acquire key knowledge in a logical manner. Leaders continuously review and develop the curriculum, ensuring that content is presented clearly. However, in a minority of subjects, the work assigned to pupils does not consistently align with the ambitious curriculum aims, which can hinder the depth of learning intended by leaders.
Teachers employ effective strategies to assess pupils' learning, utilizing questioning techniques and demonstrating strong subject knowledge. In subjects like music and history, pupils develop a solid understanding of concepts and can articulate their learning effectively. The school has robust systems in place to identify and meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to adapt the learning environment accordingly.
Reading is a priority at Astwood Bank Primary, with a strong emphasis on fostering a love for literature. The curriculum is enriched with high-quality books and poetry, and pupils participate in various reading initiatives, including author visits and poetry competitions. Phonics instruction begins early, and additional support is provided to help pupils who may fall behind. However, there are inconsistencies in the delivery of the phonics program in some areas, which can slow down learning for certain pupils.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behaviour during playtime and throughout the school, demonstrating respect and kindness. Older students serve as positive role models for younger peers, fostering a culture of responsibility and respect. Relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by care and respect, with additional support provided to those needing help with emotional and behavioural management.
Pupils understand their potential to make a difference in society and exhibit kindness and consideration for others. They have access to a variety of extracurricular clubs, some of which are led by older pupils, further enhancing their school experience. Trust leaders and governors are well-informed about the school, and staff feel supported in their professional development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Astwood Bank Primary are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school should ensure that the work assigned to pupils consistently aligns with the ambitious curriculum aims and support staff in delivering the phonics curriculum effectively. Overall, Astwood Bank Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
