‘Ambitious’ Stockland Green School impresses Ofsted inspectors with ‘tenacious’ approach to safeguarding

Staff and pupils at Stockland Green are celebrating after inspectors praised the school as a place where ‘leaders care deeply about pupils’ well-being’.

Ofsted inspectors confirmed the Erdington school remains ‘good’ and hailed its ‘family approach’. They also praised safeguarding and well-being measures.

Head of School Rebecca Goode said: “We were delighted with this Ofsted report, as we really saw the inspection as an opportunity to showcase our school, to show the inspectors the very best of our team and our students and help them understand the journey we are on as a school.

“The report talks about us as a ‘family’ and how we really care for our children and about our safeguarding work being ’tenacious’, because we are very driven as a team to ensure that our children get the very best in all aspects of education.

“However, it’s not just about grades and results, it’s about ensuring we give the very best to our young people.

“We always want to ensure the children have the belief to be whatever they want to be and that ultimately they become fully rounded citizens who are gong to contribute positively to the community.”

According to the report, pupils at Stockland Green are happy and say they feel safe.

It said: “This is because leaders care deeply about pupils’ well-being and they make sure that staff know pupils well.

“When bullying occurs, pupils say that teachers help resolve the issue quickly and make sure that it does not happen again. Leaders have ensured that the school’s values of ‘aspire, believe and achieve’ are shared by all staff. This has created an environment where there are high expectations about how and what pupils will learn.”

Inspectors said the school’s leaders actively promote pupils’ wider personal development.

It said: “Well-being weeks linked to lessons provide a range of valuable experiences that help make learning real. Most pupils take part in extra-curricular clubs or activities.”

The school was also praised for creating an ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

It added: “Teachers have secure subject knowledge and they know their pupils well. They create purposeful learning environments for all pupils, including those with SEND. Teachers also use a range of routines to help pupils learn.”

On safeguarding, the report said staff were motivated to prioritise well-being.

It said: “Staff morale is high and they are proud of the role they play in pupils’ education. Leaders make sure that safeguarding is of the highest priority for staff.

“They provide regular training and updates. Staff are vigilant and quick to report any concerns they have. Leaders are tenacious and they follow up all concerns raised.”

Headteacher Marie George said: “I’m delighted for Mrs Goode, her team, the students and the community that Stockland Green has been recognised in this way.

“It’s a great achievement, especially when you consider the impacts of the pandemic, which were compounded in our own community, around Stockland Green.

“The school’s response has been to make sure that our children have a safe place to come to, that they are loved and cared for and get an ambitious curriculum, which was also recognised by the inspectors.

“By taking that caring, ambitious approach, we give our children real life chances, to ensure that they are equipped to go on and meet the demands of the world around them.”

Picture: Pupils at Stockland Green School celebrate the Ofsted report success.