St Margaret’s Church of England Primary School, located in Olton, Solihull, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 23 and 24 November 2021. The school has a strong reputation among its pupils, who express pride in their school environment, feeling both happy and safe. This positive atmosphere is attributed to the attentive care provided by staff and the respect fostered among students. The school promotes an inclusive community where diversity is celebrated, and pupils are encouraged to develop a strong moral compass, understanding the significance of values such as tolerance and respect. The school motto, Treat others as you like to be treated, is a guiding principle for the students, contributing to a low incidence of bullying, which is addressed promptly by staff when it occurs.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior in lessons, showing attentiveness and concentration on their work. The curriculum is engaging, allowing most students to enjoy their learning experiences. While pupils generally retain knowledge well across many subjects, there are areas where their understanding is less secure. The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including music and sports, which further enrich the pupils' educational experience.
The leadership team has navigated significant challenges in recent years, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, school leaders, governors, and trust leaders have remained focused on improving the school, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support to reach their full potential. The early years provision is particularly strong, with children in Nursery and Reception receiving a solid foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics. Staff establish effective partnerships with parents and carers, fostering an environment conducive to active learning.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with staff well-equipped to teach phonics and early reading skills. The curriculum is structured to ensure that children build on their knowledge progressively. Assessments are utilized effectively to identify pupils who may require additional support, enabling them to develop confidence and fluency in reading. The school is transitioning to a new phonics program, which will further enhance the reading experience for younger pupils.
In mathematics, the curriculum is well-organized, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge through clear explanations and targeted support. However, there are some subjects, such as history, where gaps in learning have been identified. Leaders are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to an ambitious curriculum. The special educational needs coordinator provides valuable support and training to staff, helping them to meet the diverse needs of their students.
The school environment is calm and orderly, with effective behavior management strategies in place. Positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a supportive atmosphere where issues are addressed constructively. The school emphasizes character development, encouraging pupils to strive for excellence in all their endeavors.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with all staff trained to recognize and report concerns. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, ensuring that pupils are well-informed about how to protect themselves, including online safety. Overall, while the school has many strengths, there is a need for improvement in ensuring that all curriculum plans clearly outline the specific knowledge pupils should acquire over time, particularly in subjects where learning gaps exist.
