Busill Jones Primary School, located in Bloxwich, Walsall, underwent its first inspection since becoming an academy under Shine Academies Trust. The inspection, conducted on 12 and 13 March 2024, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management received a Good rating. Early years provision was similarly rated as Good.
The headteacher, Nicola Bayliss, along with the trust's CEO, Gemma Draycott, and the board of trustees, led the school through a period of significant improvement. The curriculum has been redesigned to better meet the needs of pupils, with a strong emphasis on phonics instruction to ensure all students, regardless of their background, develop reading skills. This focus is beginning to yield positive results, as evidenced by rising standards throughout the school. However, there remains work to be done in enhancing teaching and learning across various subjects.
The school maintains a calm and orderly environment, with clear and fair rules that pupils understand and follow. The positive behaviour management system, which includes rewards for good conduct, has fostered a sense of pride among students. The school is recognized as a safe space where pupils and parents feel supported in addressing any issues, including behaviour and attendance concerns.
Despite the improvements, the school acknowledges that outcomes are not yet where they should be. While progress is being made, particularly in reading, there is still a legacy of underachievement, particularly in mathematics. The leadership team is aware of the inconsistencies in teaching and assessment in this core subject and is actively engaging with national initiatives to enhance the quality of mathematics instruction.
In addition to mathematics, the curriculum in subjects such as geography and design and technology has been strengthened, with a clear progression of learning established from early years to Year 6. However, variations in the quality of learning and assessment across different subjects remain a challenge. The school is committed to improving curriculum design and implementation in foundation subjects to ensure all pupils make optimal progress.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, teaching pupils about making responsible choices and the importance of education for their future. This aspirational culture has positively impacted attendance, with families expressing gratitude for the support provided by the school. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, tailoring early years provision to meet their developmental needs.
Staff members report feeling well-supported by leadership, which emphasizes both high expectations and their welfare. The headteacher and trust leaders are focused on building sustainable leadership capacity and have ambitious plans for the future. The school is on a positive trajectory, with energetic leadership driving improvements and fostering a culture of aspiration and achievement.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their well-being is prioritized. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with a clear understanding of the local challenges and a determination to overcome them through education. The inspection highlighted the need for ongoing development in mathematics and foundation subjects, but the overall direction of the school is one of progress and positive change.
