Express & Star

Praise for Wolverhampton primary school after merger

A school has been praised for “working tirelessly” to help each pupil reach their potential.

Published
Springdale Junior School. Photo: Google

Ofsted inspectors found the teaching staff at Springdale Primary School in Wolverhampton provided “strong support” and rated the school "good" overall.

The school on Warstones Drive was formed after a merger between Springdale infants and juniors.

The Ofsted report states: “Historically, the two schools were entirely separate. Leaders and governors have worked hard to create ‘one school’. Since the merger, there have been several changes of staff.

“This initially caused disruption to the education of some classes, but staffing is now more stable and the pupils in those classes are making much-improved progress.”

Inspectors found pupils had access to “a breadth of experiences and opportunities”, with the teaching of reading a high priority across the school.

Headteacher Janice Hopkins said: “Everyone connected with Springdale Primary is immensely proud of this positive report, which recognises the hard work in successfully merging a school.

"The inspectors were able to experience first-hand pupils’ good behaviour and the calm and purposeful atmosphere within school.”

Inspectors, however, noted work was not always matched well to the needs of students – with teachers sometimes not picking up on “pupils misconceptions”.

The report adds: “The teaching of mathematics has improved and pupils are making stronger progress than in the past.

“However, sometimes teachers do not pick up pupils’ misconceptions and pupils continue to make the same mistakes.”

Inspectors also found children in early years benefited from “high-quality” teaching and a “wealth” of engaging activities to help them make a positive start. And safeguarding is effective at the school, with pupils feeling safe.

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, Wolverhampton council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: “This is an excellent report for everyone connected with Springdale Primary School.

“Historically Springdale Infant and Junior Schools were entirely separate, so it is testament to the hard work of Janice Hopkins and her team that the merger has been so smooth and that the new school is delivering improved outcomes for its pupils.”