'Small but mighty' school praised by inspectors
A 'happy, ambitious and highly inclusive school' where pupils thrive has been praised by Ofsted.
Inspectors visited St Alban's Church of England Primary Academy on 29 September and, in their report published recently, found that the phrase ‘small but mighty’ captures the school well.
Pupils 'experience a culture where they feel valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their best', with staff knowing their pupils 'extremely well' and building warm, respectful relationships that help every child 'develop confidence, resilience and a clear sense of belonging'.
Pupils benefit from a 'broad and ambitious curriculum' that develops secure knowledge, skills and understanding across subjects. Staff receive high-quality training and support, which strengthens their subject knowledge and helps them deliver the curriculum effectively. Pupils achieve well from their starting points and outcomes are improving across the school, particularly in reading, phonics and mathematics.
Children in the early years receive an excellent start, with 'high-quality interactions, well-established routines and a sharp focus on communication and language' helping them to develop their confidence and to achieve well.
Leaders have created an environment where 'inclusion sits at the heart of school life'. They identify pupils’ needs early, remove barriers to learning and provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), disadvantaged pupils and those facing additional challenges. Leaders work closely with parents and carers and external agencies to secure positive outcomes, demonstrating ‘an unwavering commitment to every pupil’s success'.
Inspectors found that pupils behave very well and have highly positive attitudes towards learning and one another, while personal development and wellbeing are described as 'strengths of the school', with its carefully planned personal life-skills curriculum preparing pupils well for life beyond school.
Leadership at all levels 'places pupils and children firmly at the centre of decision-making' and, together, leaders and governors demonstrate ambition, commitment and a shared determination to secure the best possible outcomes for every pupil.
Inspectors concluded that St Alban's Church of England Primary Academy is at Strong Standard for Early years, Inclusion, Leadership and governance, and Personal development and wellbeing, and at Expected Standard for Achievement, Attendance and behaviour, and Curriculum and teaching. The school also met safeguarding standards.
Headteacher Leanne Wooldridge said: "I am so very proud of this achievement – to have received four strong areas is such a reward for us. “Our staff deserve the recognition for what they do every day to support our children and the community. We will continue to work on the areas that we have to develop but, for now, we will be celebrating this fantastic outcome.
“Not many of our wider community know much about us or even know where we are but this outcome certainly helps us to shine!"
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, added: "St Alban's is a wonderful example of a school where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their very best. This report paints a picture of a happy, inclusive and ambitious school community where pupils thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
"The inspectors' recognition of the school's strong culture of inclusion, high-quality teaching and unwavering commitment to every pupil's success is particularly pleasing. These outcomes are a testament to the dedication of the leadership team, staff, governors and families, who work together to create an environment in which children can flourish.
"Its 'small but mighty' ethos shines through every aspect of this report, and everyone connected with the school should feel enormously proud of this achievement."