Inspectors in call for West Bromwich school to do better

Hateley Heath Primary was told by Ofsted inspectors the effectiveness of its leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development and outcomes for pupils all ‘required improvement’.

The inspection, which took place on June 28, found ‘pupils’ progress’ was not ‘consistently strong enough’ to allow them to reach the standards they were capable of.

However, the school’s early years provision was rated as ‘good’.

It comes as the school recently opened up a new nursery in October to meet the rising demands of parents needing places for their children in the area. The new facility allowed the school, which now houses 444 children, to accept a further 48 youngsters every year.

The report, published on September 6, indicated the school needed to improve the effectiveness of its leaders by ensuring subject leaders played a ‘fuller role’ in improving the quality of teaching. It also stated leaders should be monitoring teaching with a closer focus on the progress made by different groups of pupils.

Teaching was also deemed as not being consistently well matched to pupils’ abilities, which resulted in variations in pupils’ progress as they moved though the school.

Standards were said to have declined since the school’s last inspection five years ago in November 2012, when Hateley Heath Primary had been rated as ‘good’.

A report by inspectors in 2012 found all groups were achieving well, including disabled pupils and those who had special educational needs.

Ofsted stated teaching at the school was good, with teachers’ expectations at a high level, while pupils were found to be working hard during the site visit.

However, this year Ofsted found pupils did not consistently make the progress they were capable of and, as such, did not achieve as well as they should by the end of key stage one and key stage two.

Progress in reading, writing and mathematics at key stage two were also found to well below average standard.

Acting headteacher Andrea Garcha said: “We are so proud of the children at Hateley Heath and their achievements.

From the report there are significant strengths that are emerging within our school. We will build on this good practice and develop teaching and learning to ensure that outcomes continue to rise year on year.

“As a new head teacher, I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with our wonderful parents and children, a highly dedicated team of staff and governors and a very supportive local authority. Together, I am confident that we will continue to move the school forward.

“We are a school moving forward at the moment. Could you also let us have an idea of how the story will run tonight as we feel it should have a positive feel for the future of Hateley Heath."