Southrop Church of England Primary School, located in Southrop, Lechlade, Gloucestershire GL7 3NU, underwent an inspection on 3 and 4 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as Requires Improvement, a decrease from the previous grade of Good.
The inspection report highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement at the school. While Southrop Church of England Primary School excels in areas such as behavior and personal development, there are challenges in the quality of education and leadership and management.
The school has introduced a new curriculum, but there is a lack of clarity in identifying essential knowledge across all subjects. This has resulted in gaps in pupils' understanding and retention of curriculum content, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). However, pupils feel safe and well-prepared to learn, engaging in enrichment activities like climbing sessions and after-school clubs.
New pupils and their families receive a warm welcome at the school, which promotes inclusivity by teaching sign language for effective communication. Parents appreciate the individual attention their children receive, highlighting the school's commitment to care and support.
Strengths of the school include the tailored Early Years curriculum, strong phonics and reading programs, high expectations for behavior and attitudes, and active promotion of personal development through diverse cultural understanding.
Areas for improvement include the need for clearer identification of essential knowledge in foundation subjects, more precise targets for pupils with SEND, addressing gaps in phonics and spelling knowledge, and providing staff with professional development to enhance subject expertise.
In conclusion, while Southrop Church of England Primary School has created a nurturing environment for its pupils, significant improvements are needed in curriculum clarity, SEND support, and staff training. The school is encouraged to build on its strengths and address these areas to enhance the overall educational experience for its students.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to share their views through Ofsted Parent View, which plays a crucial role in the inspection process. For more information about the school, including performance data, visit Southrop Church of England Primary School's website.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the recent inspection findings, highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement at Southrop Church of England Primary School.
