Hall Green Infant School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Pupils' outcomes improved in 2017. The proportions of pupils achieving the expected standards in Year 2 were at or above national levels in reading, writing and mathematics.

Outcomes in the phonics screening check were also above the national level. Teaching has improved over the last two years and is now good. Pupils make good progress across key stage 1.

However, teachers do not consistently provide enough opportunities for pupils to apply their mathematical skills in problem solving and reasoning. Children in the early years are confident and happy individuals. They have positive relationships with all staff.

Nevertheless, som...e children are not prepared well enough for the challenges of Year 1. Children make good progress across the early years. Staff plan to meet children's learning needs very well in the indoor environment.

However, staff do not match activities in the outdoor learning environment carefully enough to children's learning needs. Behaviour across the school is very positive. Pupils are considerate and show respect to one another and staff.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is developed exceptionally well. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Pastoral support for pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities helps them to become confident in school.

However, leaders do not monitor their academic provision closely enough. Teachers and teaching assistants do not consistently address the learning needs of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities as well as they should. As a result, some of these pupils do not achieve their full potential, especially in phonics.

Governors have a sound understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They work closely with leaders to drive school improvement. Governors recognise that some gaps in their expertise need to be addressed to enable them to be even more effective.

The curriculum is well planned and provides pupils with a range of interesting and stimulating learning experiences across a wide range of subjects. Pupils make good progress across the whole curriculum. The headteacher quickly made the necessary changes that were needed to stem the decline in the school's performance.

However, the need for change was not communicated well enough to staff and parents. Consequently, some members of the school community lack confidence in the leadership team.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

Hall Green Infant School is a larger-than-average infant school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below average. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is above average.

The school has a Nursery class. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is below the national average. The proportion of pupils who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below the national average.

There are four classes in each year group. There is a before- and after-school club. The Birmingham Education Partnership provides support for the school on behalf of the local authority.