St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School, located in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, has recently undergone an inspection on February 6 and 7, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving a good rating. Notably, personal development has been recognized as outstanding. The school is led by headteacher Ian Gallagher and is part of the Our Lady and All Saints Multi Academy Company, overseen by CEO Peter Davis and a board of trustees chaired by Paul Bentley.
The school is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging. Staff members are well-acquainted with students and their families, ensuring that the school’s values permeate all aspects of school life. Leaders maintain high expectations, encouraging pupils to enjoy their education and strive for achievement, which prepares them to engage with modern British society. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is highlighted as a strength, fostering an environment where diversity is respected and celebrated.
Behaviour management is effective, with positive relationships forming the foundation of the school’s ethos. Pupils report feeling happy and safe, thanks to vigilant staff who address any concerns promptly. Opportunities for leadership abound, with pupils participating in various roles such as school council members and reading ambassadors, which positively impacts school life. The social action team has also successfully raised funds for initiatives in other parts of the world.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with leaders having meticulously designed subject curriculums from early years to Year 6. Knowledge, skills, and vocabulary are sequenced thoughtfully, although some subjects may have too much content, hindering pupils' ability to consolidate and apply their learning effectively. Learning is structured well, with teachers presenting information clearly, making lessons enjoyable. However, in mathematics, some pupils struggle to articulate the reasoning behind the steps they follow, indicating a need for further development in understanding and reasoning skills.
Reading is prioritized, with leaders emphasizing its importance for educational success. Early readers receive robust support, and those who fall behind are quickly helped to catch up. The school collaborates with parents to enhance reading at home, ensuring that reading materials are well-matched to pupils' abilities. This approach fosters a love for reading across all age groups, with various initiatives promoting engagement with literature.
All pupils achieve well, including disadvantaged students and those with SEND, who benefit from a curriculum tailored to their needs. The school identifies these needs early and adapts teaching accordingly, providing necessary support within the classroom. The environment is calm and purposeful, with consistent systems for rewarding positive behaviour and addressing negative actions.
The school places significant emphasis on character development beyond academics, with a comprehensive programme that nurtures compassionate and curious individuals. A wide range of extracurricular activities is available, enriching the pupils' educational experience. Governance is strong, with trustees and governors fulfilling their responsibilities diligently and effectively holding the school accountable.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school is encouraged to refine its curriculum to allow for deeper understanding and to provide staff with training to enhance pupils' reasoning skills further. Overall, St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
