Birchfields Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 October 2024

Pupils feel happy to be part of this caring and welcoming school. They have a strong sense of belonging and settle in quickly, including pupils who arrive at different points during the year. Pupils told inspectors that 'everyone in this school matters' and that everybody 'should have the same chances to succeed'. The school has established a culture where there are high expectations for pupils' achievement, including for disadvantaged pupils and for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils typically rise to these expectations and most achieve well. They appreciate recognition and rewards for their efforts. Pupils behave incredibly well during lessons and at social times. They have highly positive attitudes towards their learning. Pupils understand why the school's values and rules are important to life in school and beyond. For example, they spoke with clarity about resilience and how they try their best and aim high in all that they do. The school provides pupils with a range of experiences. Pupils visit places locally and further afield such as museums, parks, local schools and other cities. These trips often link to what pupils are learning in the curriculum. Pupils also participate in a range of extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, cookery, computing and chess clubs.

What the school should improve

• The school has not focused strongly enough on developing pupils' written and spoken communication skills. This hinders some pupils in developing fluency and accuracy in their speaking and writing. The school should ensure that its recently increased expectations for pupils' oracy and for their written communication better support pupils in improving these important skills.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)