Brindley Heath Junior School Academy, located in Kinver, Staffordshire, was inspected on 20 and 21 June 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership and management, and personal development also receiving good ratings. Notably, the school excelled in behaviour and attitudes, which were deemed outstanding. This inspection marked the first evaluation under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school had not been previously inspected.
Pupils at Brindley Heath Junior School demonstrate a strong sense of community and pride in their school. They are encouraged to embody the school's values, which are well understood and shared among staff and students. The school fosters a nurturing environment where individual differences are celebrated, and bullying is rare. Staff members are described as caring and compassionate, helping students to achieve their best. The positive attitudes of the pupils are reflected in their exemplary behaviour, and they are motivated to excel academically.
The curriculum at Brindley Heath is carefully designed to ensure that pupils learn about the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Leaders have taken steps to enhance the curriculum through various visits and guest speakers, providing high-quality resources that enrich the learning experience. Pupils take on leadership roles, such as leading assemblies, which helps them develop a sense of responsibility and respect for others.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders have set ambitious goals for pupil achievement and have made significant progress in ensuring that new learning builds on prior knowledge. Teachers provide regular opportunities for pupils to practice their skills, particularly in English and mathematics. However, adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are not consistently effective across all subjects, which can hinder their learning.
Reading is a priority at Brindley Heath, with leaders identifying pupils who need additional support and providing targeted help. The school promotes a love of reading through regular reading sessions and visits from authors, which contributes to pupils becoming confident and fluent readers. This foundation in reading supports their writing skills as well.
Staff are proactive in identifying pupils' needs and adjusting lessons accordingly, which helps maintain high standards of learning. The pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards their education, showing politeness and respect towards one another. The pupils' council has played a significant role in promoting good behaviour in lessons, leading to a highly motivated student body that takes pride in their work.
Leaders prioritize the well-being of pupils, incorporating lessons on health and safety into the curriculum. Pupils learn about various cultures and beliefs, and the school offers opportunities for sports and music. However, feedback from pupils and parents indicates that the range of extracurricular activities is limited, suggesting a need for broader opportunities to develop talents and interests outside of the classroom.
The school has established effective safeguarding measures, ensuring that pupils are protected from harm. Staff receive training to recognize and address safeguarding concerns, and pupils are aware of whom to approach if they have issues. The school maintains detailed records and conducts regular checks to ensure compliance with safeguarding protocols.
In summary, Brindley Heath Junior School Academy is a good school with outstanding behaviour and attitudes among pupils. While it has many strengths, particularly in its curriculum and commitment to reading, there are areas for improvement, especially regarding support for pupils with special educational needs and the expansion of extracurricular activities.
