City Road Primary School in Birmingham has recently undergone its first inspection since opening, receiving a commendable overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on January 24 and 25, 2023, and evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good.
Pupils at City Road Primary School express enjoyment in being part of the school community, arriving each day eager to learn and form friendships. The welcoming atmosphere fostered by both staff and students contributes to a sense of belonging, even for those who join mid-year. The school is described as a family, where care and support are paramount. High expectations set by staff encourage pupils to engage actively in their studies and extracurricular activities, such as fitness clubs, which promote physical well-being.
The school serves a diverse community, welcoming families from various faiths and cultures. This inclusivity is reflected in the calm and cooperative behavior observed among pupils throughout the school. The environment is conducive to learning, with rare incidents of bullying, and pupils feel safe and supported by staff.
Leaders and staff at City Road Primary School are ambitious and collaborative, leading to significant improvements over recent years. They have established high expectations for teaching and learning, although there are areas for further development. For instance, while staff are trained to teach effectively across subjects, there are instances where they do not adequately assess pupils' readiness to progress to new learning. This can hinder the acquisition of essential knowledge and skills.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, ensuring that pupils in the early stages receive daily phonics instruction. This foundational approach enables pupils to read fluently and apply their skills across various subjects. However, some pupils require additional support to achieve fluency, and the school provides extra reading lessons to facilitate their progress.
City Road Primary School has developed strong partnerships with parents and the local community, which enhances pupil attendance and engagement. Initiatives such as a free breakfast club have proven popular, although some pupils still struggle with consistent attendance. Leaders are committed to addressing this issue by working closely with families to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance.
Pupils are taught to respect diversity and understand different lifestyles, with lessons on British values integrated into the curriculum. This approach fosters reflection and opinion development among students. The school’s leadership is mindful of staff workload and supports new staff in adapting to the school’s expectations.
The safeguarding arrangements at City Road Primary School are effective, with leaders ensuring that staff understand their responsibilities. The curriculum promotes safe and respectful behavior, contributing to a secure environment for all pupils.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in ensuring that all pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in certain subjects. Leaders are encouraged to implement more strategic planning to enhance learning outcomes and to analyze attendance data more thoroughly to improve pupil engagement. Overall, City Road Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
