Olive Hill Primary Academy, located in Halesowen, West Midlands, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 12 and 13, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express enthusiasm for their learning experiences. They enjoy discovering new information and collaborate well with their peers, embodying the school’s motto of learning together and achieving success. The staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, and students understand the importance of being ready, respectful, and safe. The school has established a robust support system for those who require assistance in managing their behavior, resulting in rare instances of bullying, which are effectively addressed.
The school prioritizes the needs of its pupils, ensuring that they are at the heart of decision-making processes. Staff members are well-acquainted with the students and possess a clear understanding of their individual needs. Emotional support and pastoral care are emphasized, with leaders and staff committed to fostering caring relationships with pupils and their families. Students report feeling safe and happy at school, and many would recommend it to others. The school offers various opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills, such as the Year 6 curriculum ambassadors who provide input on making the curriculum more engaging.
The curriculum at Olive Hill is ambitious and thoughtfully designed, providing a wide range of learning opportunities. Each term begins with a key question that guides the curriculum topics, ensuring a logical progression in learning. Assessment procedures for English and mathematics are effective, allowing teachers to identify and address any gaps in knowledge. However, there is a need for improvement in checking retention of key knowledge in subjects like history and art. While staff demonstrate secure knowledge in most subjects, there is a recognized need for further training in art, design, technology, and music.
Reading and phonics are prioritized within the school, with a challenging reading curriculum implemented consistently. The phonics program has been effective in helping pupils learn sounds quickly, starting from Nursery and continuing through Key Stage 1. Teachers select appropriate reading materials that align with the phonics knowledge being taught, fostering fluency in reading and spelling. Daily storytime sessions contribute to a love of reading among pupils, with engaging book displays throughout the school.
Mathematics instruction is lively and well-structured, with teachers revisiting and reviewing concepts to reinforce understanding. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive strong support, with the SEND leader closely monitoring their progress and ensuring teachers have the necessary resources.
The school provides a variety of extracurricular experiences, including clubs and trips, which pupils enjoy. Classrooms are calm and conducive to learning, with pupils responding positively to high behavioral expectations. Staff members feel valued and supported, contributing to a positive work environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Olive Hill are effective, with strong relationships built between staff and families. Leaders are proactive in identifying pupils who may need additional support and work collaboratively with parents and external services. Staff receive up-to-date safeguarding training and are vigilant in addressing any concerns.
To enhance the quality of education further, leaders must ensure that all staff are confident in delivering the full curriculum and effectively check pupil understanding in all subjects. Continuous professional development and appropriate guidance will be essential in addressing these areas for improvement. Overall, Olive Hill Primary Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
