'We are over the moon!' Oldbury school previously told it must improve celebrates 'Good' Ofsted result

Inspectors found the school, which is part of the Emmaus Catholic Multi Academy Company, to be "Good" in each of the inspection areas.

The report noted that pupils "enjoy their learning" and know who to turn to if they have a problem which "helps them feel safe".

It was found staff "care very well" and have "high expectations" of all school-goers, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The McKean Road school was described as a "calm and purposeful" place where pupils "behave well" both in lessons and at social times.

Inspectors concluded the school had tackled issues raised at its last inspection in 2022 "strategically and with great enthusiasm".

Ofsted said staff had taken "firm action" to improve areas of the curriculum where outcomes were previously found to be "weak".

It was noted that teachers test what pupils have learned well by doing a recap at the start of each lesson.

However, inspectors found those who understand the work quickly are sometimes "not given every opportunity" to strengthen their knowledge.

Upon its last inspection two years ago, the school was told it "required improvements", with the report noting that there was a "turbulence in staffing" and teachers didn't "consistently" deliver the curriculum.

Speaking about the latest inspection result, principal Laura Marshall described her pride for staff and pupils.

She said: "We are all really over the moon. The children in the community here deserve nothing but the best education.

"It has been a rapid improvement and we are delighted. We are proud of all the children and the staff as well.

"The staff have put their heart and soul into making sure the children get not just the educational development, but personal development as well.

"I just feel really proud of the children and staff. We are only just beginning our journey. We have put in place what should be in place for children and we are just going to keep striving for the best.”

Ms Marshall joined the school alongside vice principal Natalie Smith in September 2023.

She said a number of changes have been made since then, including bringing in a new curriculum and having an "open door policy" with parents.

She told the Express & Star: "We focused on high quality teaching, we made sure the enrichment opportunities were brought forward for the children such as trips, visits and guest speakers.

"One of the main things was making sure we supported our families. We always stick to and uphold an open door policy, but also having high expectations of behaviour and teaching children what active learning looks like.

"Underlying everything it is about making children believe in themselves.”

Ms Marshall described the school as a "warm and welcoming place", adding that both staff and pupils are happy there.

She said: "Every member of staff values and nurtures every single child. We have a very supportive community, our parents fully support the school and it's just a beautiful place to be.

"Everybody is happy here and we pride ourselves on making sure as a school, we say everybody can belong here, everyone is welcome here. It doesn't matter abut peoples faiths, backgrounds - we embrace that.”