Foxyards Primary School, located in Tipton, West Midlands, has recently undergone an inspection on November 7 and 8, 2023, 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 headteacher, Wendy Jackson, leads the school, which is part of the Manor Multi Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Anita Cliff and a board of trustees chaired by David Coles.
The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where leaders have made significant efforts to transform the curriculum and raise expectations for pupils. This has resulted in notable improvements in both learning and enjoyment among students. Pupils express happiness and appreciation for the opportunities available to them, including leadership roles, sports, and school trips. The school’s values of caring, respect, creativity, and resilience are actively demonstrated by both pupils and staff, fostering a respectful and inclusive community.
Pupils generally exhibit good behaviour, showing respect and politeness in class and throughout the school. They understand that adults are available to support them with any concerns. In the early years, children receive excellent support in adapting to school routines, with skilled adults promoting language development through various engaging activities.
The curriculum at Foxyards has been significantly enhanced through collaboration between leaders and teachers, ensuring it is ambitious and thoughtfully structured. While teachers generally use assessment effectively to gauge pupil understanding, there are instances where assessment during lessons could be improved to better address misconceptions. The teaching of early reading is particularly strong, with staff well-trained in phonics, enabling pupils to read accurately from the start of Reception. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, allowing them to achieve well.
Leaders have carefully designed the early years curriculum to facilitate smooth progression to key stage one, with a focus on developing social interactions and clear instructions. Positive progress in writing has been observed in Reception, reflecting the emphasis on literacy. The curriculum also includes a well-structured personal, social, health, and economic education program, exposing pupils to various faiths and cultures, and providing opportunities for leadership and participation in educational visits.
The school has made strides in improving attendance, particularly for those who struggle to attend regularly. However, there is recognition that further work is needed to enhance oversight and ensure timely actions are taken to support consistent attendance. The behaviour policy is being revised to raise expectations and improve consistency in standards.
The governance team is knowledgeable and supportive, with a realistic understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. Staff express positive sentiments regarding leadership support in managing workload and professional development. However, there is an ongoing need to further develop leadership within the school to maximize effectiveness across all areas.
The safeguarding arrangements at Foxyards are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To continue improving, the school must focus on enhancing the precision of assessment during lessons to identify and address misconceptions, further develop attendance strategies, and strengthen leadership oversight in specific areas. Overall, Foxyards Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
