Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School in Harborne, Birmingham, was inspected on November 28 and 29, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also receiving the same rating. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision.
The principal, David Simmons, leads the school, which is part of the Emmaus Catholic Multi Academy Company. This structure means that the school is overseen by a board of directors, chaired by Joanna Griffin. The school had not been previously inspected under the current framework, as it was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
Pupils at Our Lady of Fatima attend happily and regularly, expressing pride in their school and describing it as a pleasant environment. Positive relationships among staff and students help children settle quickly, particularly in the early years. Behavior is consistently good throughout the school day, with calm playtimes and a supportive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and can approach trusted adults with concerns.
The school prioritizes reading, writing, and mathematics, and has made strides in these areas, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there is a noted imbalance in the curriculum, with too much focus on core subjects at the expense of others like geography, history, and the arts. Pupils have expressed frustration over the limited opportunities to engage with these subjects.
The school recognizes the importance of reading and employs regular assessments in phonics to tailor lessons to pupils' abilities. Most pupils read well, and additional support is provided for those who need it. Mathematics is another strength, with effective subject leadership and a well-structured curriculum that allows for regular review of prior learning. Children in the early years show high levels of interest and concentration, leading to good progress in this subject.
Despite these strengths, many areas of the curriculum are not developed to the same high standard. There is a lack of clarity regarding what knowledge should be taught and when, which hampers pupils' ability to build on prior learning. The school does not provide sufficient opportunities for pupils to engage deeply with all subjects, leading to a curriculum that lacks balance and breadth. Additionally, there is inconsistency in how pupils present their work, affecting the overall quality.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, demonstrating politeness and respect. They understand school rules and have contributed to creating a 'School Charter' that shapes their expectations. The school fosters an environment of respect and understanding of differences, teaching pupils about various religions and encouraging community involvement.
Leaders have faced challenges due to staffing changes, which have impacted curriculum development. While the local governing body recognizes strengths in core subjects, there is insufficient focus on the wider curriculum. Parents appreciate the care and nurturing environment provided by the school, which is a notable strength.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To improve, the school needs to enhance opportunities for learning across the wider curriculum, identify key knowledge in all subjects, and establish effective assessment approaches. Additionally, there should be a consistent expectation for how pupils present their work to improve overall quality.
