Halesowen CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 December 2024

This is an inclusive school. All pupils are welcome. Many join the school partway through their education or speak English as an additional language. They quickly make friends and participate fully in school life. The school provides additional support and resources for any pupil who finds learning challenging, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school has high expectations of pupils. Pupils strive to live up to these. They are kind to others and try hard with their work. This endorses the school's motto of 'We care, we trust, we believe. We share, we enjoy, we achieve.' Pupils of all ages enjoy talking about their learning. Pupils behave well in lessons and at social times. They demonstrate positive attitudes to learning, including in the early years. Pupils know they can talk to a member of staff if they have any worries or concerns. This helps them to feel safe in school. Pupils are actively involved in a variety of leadership roles. These include house captains, peer mediators and collective worship monitors. This builds their confidence and independence. Additionally, pupils enjoy the range of clubs and enrichment opportunities the school offers.

What the school should improve

• The school's methods for checking what pupils know and can do over time are not yet firmly established. As a result, some pupils, including those in the early years, develop gaps in their learning. The school should implement a consistent approach to checking how well pupils retain and recall their learning over time.
• Almost all foundation subject leaders are new to their roles. They have not yet had time to identify where further curriculum improvements are necessary. As a result, some pupils do not build knowledge securely over time. The school should ensure it monitors and evaluates these areas and makes the necessary adaptations to strengthen the curriculum, enabling pupils to deepen their understanding and progress confidently over time.
• Too many disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND are persistently absent. This means that they miss important learning and fall behind their peers. The school should work in close partnership with parents and carers to address the specific barriers these pupils face, ensuring their attendance improves so that they can benefit from what the school has to offer and achieve well.

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