School that is heart of community rated Good by Ofsted

A 'lively school at the heart of the local community' has been rated Good across the board by Ofsted.

Inspectors visited Fallings Park Primary School just after Easter, and found leaders have 'high ambitions for the school' and ensure pupils learn in a 'safe, happy and positive environment'.

Supported by governors and the City of Wolverhampton Council, leaders have placed emphasis on developing the curriculum and ensuring that pupils learn a broad range of subjects.

They have also placed 'serious emphasis on developing teachers' expertise’, with each year group overseen by a middle leader who coaches, trains and develops staff. This approach, say inspectors, 'is working well'.

Pupils display a 'positive attitude to learning', listening carefully to teachers and focusing on their work in lessons. They are proud of their school. They also take part in many activities that enrich their education, such as swimming lessons and charity projects – helping to raise over £12,000 to support families in the local community.

The school introduced a new approach to teaching phonics in January and is providing extra support to pupils whose learning was disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, 'all pupils are becoming better readers over time'.

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are expected and supported to access the full curriculum and are 'confident and make good progress'. Leaders make safeguarding 'everyone's priority' and know what to do if they have concerns. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, including online.

Fallings Park Primary School was rated Good overall, and Good in the five key inspection areas – the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. It was last inspected in 2017, when it was also rated Good.

Sarah Pedley, who became headteacher at the Old Fallings Lane school in March 2021, said: “I lead a team of dedicated professionals who provide our pupils and community with a school who wants to develop and motivate individuals in all areas of life.”

Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: "This is a very pleasing inspection report which showcases the Good standard of education which is on offer at what is one of Wolverhampton's largest primary schools, and particularly highlights the important role it plays in the local community.

“The school places so much focus on the development of children holistically as well as academically. All of the students speak so positively about the school, which is wonderful to see.

"I would like to congratulate Sarah Pedley, her staff, the governors and of course the pupils and parents on their continuing success."