Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Primary School, located in Shirley, Solihull, is recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on May 8 and 9, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Deborah Enstone, the school is part of the Our Lady and All Saints Multi Academy Company, which involves shared responsibilities among trustees and a senior executive leader. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where pupils, parents, staff, and governors all contribute to a vibrant and supportive environment. The positive atmosphere is evident in the enthusiasm of the pupils, who display joy in their daily school experiences.
Pupil behavior is commendable, contributing to a calm and focused learning environment. Students exhibit maturity and confidence, both in the classroom and throughout the school. They engage actively in their learning, demonstrating exemplary attitudes and a commitment to achieving their best. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits. The supportive relationships between staff and pupils create a safe space where students feel valued and understood.
The curriculum is designed to build on prior knowledge, ensuring that pupils revisit and expand their learning across subjects. For instance, in mathematics, teachers encourage students to apply previously learned concepts to new challenges. The school has carefully selected essential content to prepare pupils for future educational steps, particularly in subjects like geography, where the curriculum is structured around understanding human and environmental interactions.
A notable strength of the school is its focus on vocabulary development, which significantly enhances pupils' understanding of various subjects. Teachers consistently model the use of specific vocabulary, enabling students to grasp complex concepts and articulate their thoughts effectively. This approach is particularly evident in geography, where pupils can discuss intricate processes with confidence.
The school demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. While most students receive appropriate support, there are instances where the information presented may be too challenging, leading to confusion. The school is encouraged to ensure that teachers adapt their delivery methods to better meet the needs of these pupils, allowing for more effective learning.
Attendance remains a challenge, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, who may miss school or arrive late. The school is actively working to engage with families to improve attendance rates, ensuring that all pupils can benefit from the educational opportunities available to them.
The school's dedication to fostering a love for reading is evident through its phonics program and the selection of engaging literature. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, and pupils receive daily lessons that help them develop essential reading skills. The school closely monitors pupil progress, providing timely support to ensure that all students keep up with their peers.
Beyond academics, pupils are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities that promote personal development. Opportunities such as being eco-councillors or participating in community service initiatives allow students to contribute meaningfully to their school and local community. The school also enriches the curriculum through trips, residential experiences, and a variety of sporting and musical activities.
Leadership at all levels is effective in creating a collaborative and caring culture among staff. Professional development opportunities are regularly provided, and staff express pride in being part of the school community. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized.
In summary, Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Primary School is a good school that excels in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in attendance and the adaptation of teaching for pupils with special educational needs, the overall commitment to high standards and pupil well-being is commendable.
