'Pupils flourish at this school' - Birmingham academy celebrates Ofsted report
Gossey Lane Academy in Kitts Green, Birmingham, is an inclusive, vibrant primary school with impressive on-site nursery provision, going from strength to strength.
Pupils and staff are immensely proud of the outcomes of the school’s latest Ofsted visit, with a combination of ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ reported across all key areas. Everyone associated with the school takes pride in its inclusive environment where respect, warmth and a strong sense of belonging are central.
A one-form entry primary academy (for ages 3 -11), Gossey Lane is part of the Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust family that comprises of seven academies (1 all-through school, 4 primaries and 2 secondaries) in East Birmingham and is committed to providing the very best for our young people, their families and their communities. Its values of 'Respect, Collaboration and Aspiration' underpin its mission: 'to provide our young people with the knowledge and skills to flourish in their academic and personal development.'
Aligned with these values, Gossey Lane is culturally rich, with a special passion for the arts, and has a strong connection with its local community. Music is made accessible for everyone with a special focus on singing - regularly uniting the school in a shared, much-enjoyed activity.
The school’s headteacher, Sarah Amin, commented: “We are immensely proud of the way our pupils, staff and community have pulled together to create a school that is joyful, inclusive and ambitious. We are delighted that the report recognises the essence of Gossey Lane – a small school with a very big heart and a lot of soul. We will continue to strengthen curriculum consistency and ensure every child is carefully supported to reach their potential.”
Gossey Lane Academy provides a safe, supportive and enjoyable experience for all the children who attend – with focused attention on the curriculum, values and experiences. The Ofsted inspectors included many excellent comments in their report, including “Pupils flourish at this school. Pupils speak with unreserved praise for its kind and welcoming atmosphere.” They stated that the school has “high expectations” and pupils “feel safe, valued and respected regardless of background, and that they benefit from a nurturing ethos”.
An example of the school’s culture can be found in its ‘Eleven before eleven’ (11b411) programme which encourages a wide variety of memorable and educational life experiences for every single child to participate in during their time at the school. The activities include a range of wonderful things including: cultural art gallery visits; river study field trips; growing, cooking and eating their own produce; outdoor camping; and pursuing acts of kindness.
One year 6 pupil told us about her role in school, “My favourite thing about the ‘Eleven before eleven’ is definitely the camping part. We got to talk with our friends, around a campfire, wrapped in blankets, and make shadow puppets. The s'mores we made were yummy; it was really fun! I’m also a school leader. I tried really hard to get the job, and now I have finally got it. It means I can help other people in school, there are loads of opportunities to have a leadership role in school, it's great.”
Pete Weir, CEO of Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust, commented: “We are thrilled for Sarah and her team that Ofsted has acknowledged the remarkable progress at this school, the effective 'challenge and support” from the Trust, and the positive impact on the children’s outcomes. It truly is a joyful place where everyone feels welcome, and we are excited to see what this year holds for them”.
“We love to welcome new families to our school. We have a stunning independent nursery, Bambams, onsite, which provides a perfect pathway and a smooth transition to primary school life at Gossey Lane and is an excellent way to see what we have to offer,” said Mrs Amin.
Gossey Lane Academy is holding Open Days for potential new families to visit, meet the teachers and enjoy a tour of the school. Dates for these are:
Tuesday, 11th November at 9am
Thursday, 27th November at 5pm
Thursday, 4th December at 2pm
Friday, 5th December at 9am
The Open Days offer visitors the opportunity to experience the warm welcome and supportive environment on offer. To register interest, visitors can fill out the following form https://forms.office.com/e/Ts3bZMs4w5 or to speak to the school office, please call 0121 464 2909
