Tudor Grange Primary Academy Yew Tree, located in Solihull, West Midlands, has recently undergone an inspection on February 27 and 28, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The principal, Rajneet Kundi, leads the school, which is part of the Tudor Grange Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Claire Maclean and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Rock, with executive headteacher Sarah Deakin responsible for the school.
The school promotes an ethos of joy, love, and respect, fostering a supportive environment where staff are dedicated to the success of every pupil. High expectations for achievement are evident, and pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are reported to achieve well. The school is described as welcoming, encouraging pupils to celebrate diversity and appreciate each other's perspectives, creating a familial atmosphere among staff and parents.
Pupils receive high-quality pastoral support, leading to warm and respectful relationships with adults. They are happy and well-behaved, with older pupils serving as role models for younger children. The school offers a variety of clubs, including computing, chess, and netball, and provides opportunities for older pupils to develop independence through residential trips featuring adventurous activities.
The curriculum is ambitious, designed to ensure pupils acquire essential knowledge and skills. Learning is sequenced effectively, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge. Staff employ clear explanations and regularly check for understanding, facilitating effective learning experiences. For instance, Year 2 pupils engage in problem-solving activities to reinforce division techniques, while Year 6 pupils investigate health-related topics in collaborative group work.
Reading is a central focus, with pupils having access to a wide range of high-quality books. The school emphasizes phonics from an early age, ensuring that pupils become confident readers. Those needing additional support receive targeted assistance to help them catch up. The early years curriculum is well-structured, prioritizing communication skills and vocabulary development, which benefits all children, including those learning English as an additional language.
Behaviour expectations are high, and pupils demonstrate good manners and kindness. The school has implemented initiatives to improve attendance, although some pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are still absent too frequently. The school is committed to enhancing attendance strategies and working closely with families to address this issue.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, contributing to a positive school atmosphere. Play leaders and school councillors play vital roles in fostering a caring environment, and pupils engage in charitable activities to learn about citizenship. The trust provides effective support for staff development, although some subject leaders are still developing their roles and responsibilities.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Areas for improvement include addressing the attendance of certain pupils and ensuring consistently high expectations for writing across the curriculum. The school is focused on implementing a new approach to teaching writing to enhance pupils' performance in all subjects. Overall, Tudor Grange Primary Academy Yew Tree is a nurturing and effective educational institution, dedicated to the success and well-being of its pupils.
