Wilnecote Junior Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a school that requires improvement Ambitious and rapid action by a new leadership team is improving standards after a lengthy period of decline.

New approaches to teaching, a better curriculum and higher expectations of pupils' behaviour in the classroom have improved the rate at which pupils make progress. Teaching is energetic and enthusiastic. Lessons are generally planned very well and teachers work hard to make sure that pupils are interested and engaged in learning.

In writing lessons, the work set is not always well matched to the intended learning. The curriculum has been refreshed. Pupils study the subjects of the national curriculum, includin...g by doing project work, while keeping a suitable focus on reading, writing and mathematics.

New approaches to teaching mathematics have been introduced and these are proving very effective. Despite these many improvements, some pupils do not yet do well enough. This is largely because of weaker teaching in the past.

Many pupils have gaps in their understanding of mathematics, particularly in Year 6. Most other pupils are generally working at levels suitable for their age. Some pupils make unnecessary mistakes with handwriting, spelling and punctuation.

At times, their presentation is untidy and erratic. Pupils are not given enough opportunities to edit and improve their writing. Although the pupils' conduct is often good in classrooms, it is uneven around the school at break- and lunchtime.

A few pupils act irresponsibly when the adults who supervise them fail to promote good behaviour. Senior and middle leaders check regularly that new initiatives are being introduced properly, but a few inconsistencies do remain. A few parents have expressed concern about incidents of poor behaviour but these are very rare.

If they occur, they are dealt with swiftly and sensitively. The school has the following strengths Leadership and management, including governance, are very effective. Teaching, learning and assessment are good.

Effective training, along with staffing changes, have transformed teaching in the school. Nearly all staff, parents and pupils recognise that the school is much better than it was. They fully support the changes made.

Support for pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities is improving.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. It meets the government's current floor standards.

The school is similar in size to most other junior schools. It is in a hard federation with Heathfields Infant School and shares an executive headteacher and the same governing body. The leadership team has undergone significant changes over the last two years following a period of instability and recruitment difficulties.

The executive headteacher of the federation is also the headteacher of Wilnecote. The school is a member of the Tame Valley Cooperative Learning Trust, which consists of seven other schools in Tamworth. The schools work together to improve outcomes for children.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for support through the pupil premium is in line with the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is broadly in line with the national average. The school's pupil population is predominately White British.

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