Pheasey Park Farm Primary School and Early Years Centre in Birmingham has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on June 11 and 12, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Susan Arnold, the school operates within the Elston Hall Learning Trust, which provides additional governance and support. The school is characterized by a warm and inclusive environment where pupils are polite and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Students express a strong sense of safety and happiness, appreciating the attentive support from staff who listen to their needs. The school’s motto, believe and achieve, is evident in the ambitious goals set for student achievement, and the teaching staff effectively deliver the planned curriculum, resulting in good overall pupil performance.
Pupils demonstrate positive behavior, adhering to the school’s principles of respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn. They engage attentively in lessons and benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities, including trips and after-school clubs. The school’s facilities, such as the on-site swimming pool, contribute to the comprehensive development of students, with nearly all pupils able to swim by the time they graduate. Leadership encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, fostering a sense of community and involvement.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to acquire essential knowledge and skills. Lessons are designed to connect learning to real-world applications, as seen in financial management workshops for older students. Pupils articulate their learning experiences effectively, particularly in subjects like art, where they can discuss various artists and movements. However, there are inconsistencies in the application of questioning techniques in key stage one, which can hinder some pupils' understanding of concepts. Additionally, some pupils who are ready to progress may not do so quickly enough.
Reading instruction is a strong point, with daily story time and a well-trained staff ensuring that pupils develop a love for reading. Those who struggle are quickly identified and receive targeted support, leading to confident and fluent readers. The school also effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, although some learning targets for these pupils lack specificity, which can affect their progress.
From the early years, routines are established to promote positive behavior and independence, laying a solid foundation for future learning. The curriculum emphasizes vocabulary and communication skills, preparing children for key stage one. Personal, social, and health education is integrated into the curriculum, promoting well-rounded development and fostering inclusivity among pupils.
Attendance is prioritized, with staff taking proactive measures to address any concerns. Most parents express satisfaction with the school, highlighting the approachability of staff and the positive development of their children. The governance structure, including trust leaders and trustees, is actively involved in the school’s operations, ensuring a collaborative environment for staff who feel valued and supported.
The inspection concluded that while the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement. Specifically, the school should refine the learning targets for pupils with special educational needs to ensure clarity and specificity. Additionally, enhancing the use of assessment in key stage one will help teachers better gauge pupil understanding and support their learning progression. Overall, Pheasey Park Farm Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils.
