Little Aston Primary Academy, located in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, underwent an inspection on October 4 and 5, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also marked as requiring improvement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision.
The headteacher, Elizabeth Pearce, leads the school, which is part of the Staffordshire Universities Academies Trust. This partnership aims to enhance the educational experience for pupils by fostering a sense of community. While many parents appreciate the community feel of the school, a significant minority expressed concerns regarding communication and the need for more clarity about their children's education.
Pupils at Little Aston Primary Academy feel safe and happy, attributing this to the care shown by staff. They understand the importance of kindness and respect, which contributes to a positive learning environment. Most students perform well academically, but some struggle, particularly in reading, where they do not receive adequate support to overcome difficulties. This lack of support can hinder their enjoyment of reading and overall academic progress.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and music, which pupils enjoy and believe enhance their learning experience. They also learn about different cultures and faiths, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging. The early years curriculum is well-structured, allowing children to settle quickly and engage in learning from the outset. Parents report satisfaction with their children's experiences in the early years.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary support, particularly in reading. Staff do not consistently match reading materials to the phonics knowledge of pupils, which can impede progress. Additionally, some pupils with special educational needs and disabilities do not have support plans that accurately reflect their specific needs, affecting their learning outcomes.
The school has made strides in developing its curriculum, with subject leaders working to create clear learning sequences. However, there is a need for staff to better assess what pupils know and can do, particularly in reading, to ensure they are ready for new learning. This oversight can lead to pupils being unprepared for subsequent lessons, resulting in gaps in knowledge.
The school emphasizes the importance of reading for pleasure and provides a wide range of books for pupils to choose from. However, the implementation of phonics instruction requires improvement, as some pupils do not receive the necessary modeling of sounds, which affects their reading fluency.
Older pupils take on leadership roles, contributing to a positive school culture that promotes respect and independence. The school focuses on developing character traits that support personal growth and learning. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must ensure that reading materials align with the phonics being taught and that staff consistently assess pupil understanding. Additionally, support plans for pupils with SEND need to be more specific to their individual needs. Enhancing communication with parents is also essential to foster a collaborative relationship that supports student learning and progress. Overall, while Little Aston Primary Academy has strengths, there are clear areas for development to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
