Chadsmead Primary Academy, located in Lichfield, has recently undergone an inspection that highlights its strengths and areas for improvement. The school is part of the Community Academies Trust and is led by headteacher Gemma Grainger. The inspection took place on the 1st and 2nd of October 2024, and the school received a rating of good in the quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, while behaviour and attitudes were rated outstanding.
Pupils at Chadsmead Primary Academy demonstrate a strong eagerness to attend school regularly. They express appreciation for the kindness and care shown by the staff, which fosters a positive environment where relationships are prioritized. The dedicated staff model respect and consideration, which encourages pupils to reciprocate these values, contributing to a safe and welcoming atmosphere. This positive culture is evident from the early years, where children quickly adapt to school life and form friendships.
The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their best. Staff are focused on making necessary improvements to help students reach high academic standards. This commitment is reflected in the pupils' concentration levels during lessons, where they engage with their work without distractions. The exemplary behaviour observed in classrooms extends to social interactions, with pupils adhering to school rules and demonstrating good manners consistently.
Reading is a significant focus at Chadsmead, with a well-established phonics programme that follows a structured approach. Staff regularly assess pupils' understanding of previously taught sounds and provide additional support for those who struggle. This targeted approach has resulted in a higher number of pupils reading at the expected standard for their age. The curriculum is designed to build on what children learn in the early years, allowing for a smooth transition and good progress.
Music is highlighted as a particular strength of the school, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for their learning and opportunities to perform. The school actively works to remove barriers to participation in music, ensuring that all pupils can engage with this aspect of their education. However, in some subjects, pupils struggle to recall prior learning and may have misconceptions that are not addressed promptly, hindering their overall success.
Chadsmead Primary Academy offers a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, which pupils value greatly. They enjoy collaborating with peers from other schools within the trust and take pride in their achievements, such as winning a recent baking competition. While pupils understand the importance of treating everyone equally, there is still room for growth in their understanding of different cultures and faiths.
Governance at the school is strong, with committed and knowledgeable governors who understand the school's strengths and areas for development. The trust provides essential support for ongoing improvements. Staff are dedicated and respected, and there is a shared commitment to creating a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in ensuring that assessment strategies are effectively utilized across all subjects to support pupils' learning. Additionally, some pupils, including those with special educational needs, may be assigned writing tasks that do not align with their current capabilities, limiting their opportunities for practice and skill development. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the continued success of Chadsmead Primary Academy.
