Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School, located in Shard End, Birmingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 21 and 22, 2024. The executive headteacher, Helen Milligan, leads the school, which is part of the Our Lady and All Saints Catholic Multi-Academy Company. This structure allows for shared responsibility in the school's governance, overseen by CEO Peter Davis and a board of trustees chaired by Paul Bentley.
The school is characterized by a calm and welcoming environment that fosters a sense of safety and positivity among pupils. Students express high levels of satisfaction with their educational experiences, enjoying their interactions with teachers and their learning journeys. They demonstrate a strong sense of community, caring for one another and collaborating effectively in lessons. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and sports, which enhance pupils' engagement and leadership opportunities.
Guardian Angels maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, with clear guidelines that students understand and follow. This contributes to a respectful atmosphere where pupils are courteous and mature, both in classrooms and during breaks. The school emphasizes the importance of positive relationships and routines, which are instilled from the beginning of a child's time at the school.
The curriculum is designed with high ambition for all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers benefit from a well-structured curriculum that is centrally planned, allowing them to develop their subject knowledge and teaching skills effectively. The progression of knowledge is carefully sequenced, ensuring that pupils build on what they learn in early years and throughout their education.
While the school provides an effective curriculum that helps pupils retain knowledge, there are instances where teachers may advance students to new material before fully assessing their understanding. This can lead to gaps in knowledge, making it challenging for some pupils to articulate their learning over time. The school is committed to ensuring that every pupil learns to read, implementing a consistent phonics approach that begins in Reception. This strategy has proven successful, as pupils demonstrate increasing fluency and accuracy in reading.
Pupils are eager to excel in all aspects of school life, displaying calmness in classrooms and engaging in thoughtful discussions about their learning. Staff effectively manage pupil concentration and encourage positive behavior through a reward system. The school also prioritizes the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of its students, providing targeted support for disadvantaged pupils and promoting understanding of safety and healthy relationships.
Leaders at all levels are aware of the areas needing improvement and are dedicated to continuous development. They foster a supportive environment for staff, considering their workload and well-being. The school actively engages with the local community and collaborates with external agencies to enhance its educational offerings.
The safeguarding arrangements at Guardian Angels are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is committed to addressing the identified need for more consistent checks on pupils' understanding before progressing in the curriculum. By focusing on this area, the school aims to strengthen pupils' knowledge retention and overall learning experience. This inspection marks the second ungraded evaluation since the school was deemed good in November 2013, reflecting its ongoing commitment to educational excellence.
