Marlborough Primary School, located in Small Heath, Birmingham, has recently undergone an inspection on May 16 and 17, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is the first inspection under the Education Act 2005, as the school has not been previously inspected. The school provides a calm yet busy environment that fosters effective learning. Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to the care and development of pupils, starting from the early years. The school offers a safe and welcoming atmosphere that supports children's educational journeys, with a well-organized playground that caters to diverse interests.
The school places a strong emphasis on language development, particularly benefiting pupils who speak English as an additional language. This focus has proven successful, enabling pupils to engage with the ambitious curriculum across most subjects. Pupils exhibit kindness and tolerance towards one another, demonstrating a solid understanding of diversity. The relationships between adults and pupils are characterized by warmth and mutual respect, with adults striving for the best outcomes for every child. Core values such as respect, equality, and self-belief are evident in the pupils' actions, and they are encouraged to aspire to achieve great things. Inspirational role models are frequently invited to share their success stories, further motivating pupils.
Leaders have carefully designed an exciting and ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This is particularly effective in subjects like mathematics, art and design, and science. The curriculum is structured to ensure that essential knowledge is taught at appropriate times, allowing pupils to grasp key concepts effectively. However, there are areas where leaders have not adequately monitored the delivery of the curriculum, leading to inconsistencies in teaching quality and some pupils struggling to retain important knowledge.
The school has developed a robust approach to teaching phonics and early reading, which is effective for all pupils, regardless of their language background. Staff engage pupils with stories, rhymes, and songs to familiarize them with language patterns. Reading materials are carefully matched to the sounds pupils have learned, and additional support is provided promptly for those who fall behind. The school actively promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including inviting parents to share books with their children and offering workshops to help them support their children's literacy at home.
While the school has effective provisions for pupils with special educational needs, attendance remains a challenge, with some pupils missing significant amounts of learning. Leaders have implemented tracking systems to monitor attendance but need to enhance their strategies to improve attendance rates further. Pupils generally exhibit positive behaviour in lessons, showing respect for one another and engaging in discussions about kindness.
The curriculum also addresses the importance of understanding diversity and responsible citizenship, with projects that promote sustainability and community involvement. Leaders are committed to supporting staff, who report feeling well-supported in their roles. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns. However, there is a need for more detailed record-keeping regarding safeguarding actions to ensure comprehensive tracking of concerns.
In summary, Marlborough Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in attendance and curriculum monitoring, the school is well-positioned to continue fostering the development and success of its pupils.
