Gig Mill Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school? '

Together we care, together we succeed' is more than just a motto at Gig Mill Primary. It drives exciting lessons and interactions that enrich the lives of pupils.

Pupils love to learn, and staff expect the very best outcomes from them. Leaders, staff and pupils work together to aim for a community where pupils matter and thrive.

High expectations and nurturing relationships mean that pupils develop into successful, independent learners.

Trips to places such as Severn Valley Railway bring classroom learning to life. A broad range of school clubs helps to develop sporting and artistic skills.

Behaviour is exceptional.

Staff and pupils care fo...r each other. When a pupil is unhappy, support is always close by. From peer supporters to 'junior police constables', pupils take on a range of responsibilities to make a difference to their school.

As a result, this is a kind and respectful environment where pupils feel safe and are safe.

Bullying is rare. Leaders work hard to make sure that everyone acts if bullying ever does occur.

Leaders investigate any incidents and act swiftly. Pupil anti-bullying ambassadors make sure that no child is left out.

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

Leaders and governors want the very best for all pupils.

Inspirational leadership and caring staff continually drive improvements. All are determined to make sure that every child gets the very best from their time at Gig Mill.

Children make an exceptional start in early years.

Teachers work hard to understand the needs and abilities of the children when they join the school. Well-planned and exciting lessons inspire the children to start powerful learning journeys. Children quickly learn the communication, personal and physical skills they need to be successful in school.

They play nicely together and build lasting friendships.

Leaders have worked hard to make sure that pupils in key stages 1 and 2 learn from a wide variety of different subjects. Many of these subjects, such as mathematics, are strong in developing the skills and knowledge of the pupils.

Leaders are now looking to make sure that other subjects, such as history, geography and physical education (PE), are as strong.

Pupils quickly learn to read because teachers prioritise this from the very first days at the school. All members of staff have completed suitable training to teach phonics effectively.

Pupils learn the phonics they need to be able to read a range of books. Exciting storytelling by teachers develops a love of reading. When pupils fall behind, teachers act swiftly to make sure that they get the right support to catch up.

Pupils' writing is developing well. Recently, leaders have improved the way pupils learn to write in early years and key stage 1. From a very early age, children develop clear handwriting and write sentences accurately.

From this secure start, pupils develop as confident and fluent writers.

Mathematics is a strength. Teachers prioritise problem solving and reasoning.

Teachers work hard to make sure that pupils learn and remember such skills as addition, multiplication and division. Teachers encourage pupils to talk about how they have solved problems. Pupils often compete successfully in local and regional mathematics competitions.

In subjects such as history and geography, pupils develop their understanding of the world around them. Local historians visit the school to teach about the history of Dudley's canals. PE provides a range of opportunities to build healthy lifestyles.

Leaders are now working hard to make sure that learning in these subjects always builds on what the pupils have successfully learned in the past. The school swimming pool is used well to ensure that most pupils are confident swimmers by the time they leave Year 6.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make strong progress.

All staff understand pupils' additional needs well. This means that pupils get the support they need. Skilful teachers match learning to the ability of the pupils.

The classroom base for pupils with autism spectrum disorder is a real strength. Caring and skilled staff help pupils to overcome their barriers to learning. Well-planned opportunities integrate the pupils into the main school so that they can achieve alongside more able peers.

Positive mental health is a priority. Leaders know pupils learn best when they feel safe, happy and confident. When behaviour does not meet the high expectations of staff, leaders act.

Caring staff make sure that all pupils get the support they need to be calm and purposeful learners. 'Pupil well-being warriors' take on responsibilities to support their friends and classmates.

Pupils access a broad range of opportunities to prepare them for life in modern Britain.

Regular visitors, such as nurses and the police, develop an understanding of the community. Leaders are now working hard to make sure that all pupils have a more robust understanding of the British values of democracy, the rule of law and mutual respect for, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders have made sure that staff have had the training they need to keep pupils safe. Staff act quickly to raise concerns when they are worried about a pupil. Leaders investigate these concerns swiftly to make sure that pupils are safe.

When needed, leaders work with services such as the local authority to make sure that pupils get the support they need.Pupils learn quickly how to stay safe in the real world and online. Leaders are now working to make sure that all pupils learn how to deal with risks they might face in the local community.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

While the curriculum has rapidly improved over the last few years, some subjects are not yet as strong as others. For example, while mathematics, reading and writing are well developed, others such as history, geography and PE are not as well structured. This means that learning does not always precisely build on what learning has happened before.

Leaders need to continue to enhance these subjects to make sure that learning in these subjects is well sequenced and builds on prior learning. . Teachers provide many opportunities to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain.

However, these opportunities are not always planned in a well-ordered manner. As a result, pupils' awareness of British values and safeguarding risks relevant to the local context is not as good as it might be. Leaders need to build on the good work already started in this area, so that these important learning experiences build on what pupils already know and enable pupils to extend their awareness and deepen their understanding.