Kings Heath Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Kings Heath Primary Academy provides pupils with the best possible start in life. The school embraces every opportunity to remind pupils of the endless possibilities their lives have if they work hard and give of their best. The school's ambition for every pupil knows no bounds.

Pupils learn Latin, work with the Royal Opera House to perform an opera and participate in 'Apprentice Days'. Pupils respond exceptionally well to each and every challenge presented to them. They love to learn.

They are excited about their futures. One pupil said: 'This school wants me to aspire to achieve everything I can and live a good life with a smart job.'

The school's high exp...ectations of pupils are established right from the minute the youngest children walk through the door.

Pupils are crystal clear about how they should behave. Signs around school prompt them to 'walk like a scholar' and to hold doors open for each other. Pupils learn to take pride in the big things and the little things.

They are invited to check that their uniform is smart in the school mirror. Adults model the behaviours that pupils should replicate. Pupils' behaviour and attitudes are second to none.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school's curriculum opens doors for pupils. It has been developed with exceptional expertise and identifies precisely what pupils need to learn. Learning is built up layer by layer in a logical order.

It has been designed to help pupils make links across subjects. Children in the early years are provided with a firm foundation for later learning. They are curious about the world around them.

From the earliest days in school, children are thrilled to learn new things.

The curriculum is delivered by skilled staff. They receive high-quality training and use the latest research to hone their skills even further.

In lessons, they explain new concepts well. Pupils engage well in their learning because their teachers enthuse them and make lessons interesting. Teachers use 'do now' tasks to check that pupils have mastered key knowledge before moving on.

Pupils understand why it is vital they remember what they have learned before. In mathematics, Year 6 pupils confidently use their prior knowledge of numerators and denominators as they work with increasingly complex fractions.

The school prioritises developing pupils' communication and language skills.

Children in nursery learn a wide range of songs and nursery rhymes. Teachers help younger children to give their answers in full sentences. When their replies are brief, teachers ask, 'Can you say it better?' Older pupils learn the language of debate.

They articulately give their own ideas and are open to the views of others.

Pupils are well supported as they learn to read. Phonics is taught from day one in the Reception Year.

Staff systematically check the sounds that pupils know. The school makes sure that no pupil is left behind when it comes to learning to read. Reading continues to be a key priority as pupils move through the school.

Pupils enjoy reading. They can discuss their favourite authors and stories. The joy of reading is promoted through regular story time and events.

The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are swiftly identified. Every effort is made to remove barriers for these pupils. They receive carefully crafted support that is well matched to their individual needs.

Pupils who need more targeted support attend 'The Heart' for their English and mathematics lessons. This helps them to progress through the curriculum as well as their peers. Pupils with SEND flourish and experience success.

The school invests considerable time and energy in the character they want pupils to develop. The school's values of courage, respect, ambition and aspiration are the solid rock on which this work is built. Pupils are reminded of these values on the school walls and through the houses they belong to.

Enrichment clubs are planned to develop pupils' talents and interests. Almost every pupil chooses to attend one of these optional clubs.

Parents and carers are delighted with the work of the school.

They recognise the privilege it is to say that their child attends Kings Heath Primary Academy.

Staff are unanimously proud to work at the school. They describe the culture of 'no limits' that leaders have established alongside genuine care for their well-being.

Leaders, governors and the trust have a shared vision for the school based on success for all. This relentless pursuit of excellence has been realised.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.