Stoke Park Junior School, located in Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire, has been recognized for its good overall effectiveness following an inspection in May 2019. The leadership team, under the headteacher, has successfully maintained a high standard of education since the previous inspection. Despite changes in staff, the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment remains strong, with leaders providing effective support to teachers to enhance their skills. Most pupils demonstrate good progress in reading, writing, and mathematics, as teachers tailor their lessons to meet the needs of the students. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive additional support from skilled teaching assistants, contributing to their good progress.
The school environment is positive, with pupils expressing happiness and enjoyment in their learning. They exhibit positive attitudes and good behavior, feeling safe due to the high-quality care provided by staff. The curriculum is well-structured, offering extensive opportunities for pupils to apply their literacy skills across various subjects. School leaders promote values such as respect and understanding through assemblies and the wider curriculum, effectively fostering pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
Leaders at all levels possess a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, with well-founded plans for further development. They actively seek partnerships with local schools and utilize support from the local authority to enhance their effectiveness. While the overall quality of writing is good, some pupils struggle with spelling and punctuation, and there is a need for improved presentation of work. Additionally, the most able pupils do not always face sufficient challenges, resulting in fewer students achieving higher standards. Coverage of science varies across year groups, indicating a need for more consistent delivery of the subject.
To further improve, the school aims to ensure that all pupils demonstrate accuracy in spelling and punctuation, present their work neatly, and consistently meet high standards. Teachers are encouraged to provide greater challenges for the most able pupils to increase the number of students reaching higher standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. Furthermore, the school is committed to ensuring that all classes cover the full science curriculum for their respective year groups.
The leadership and management of the school are deemed good, with leaders establishing a climate of trust and respect among staff. They have set ambitious targets for school improvement, focusing on preparing pupils for life beyond school. Staff morale is high, and there is a strong sense of teamwork. The governance of the school is effective, with governors actively engaging in the school's progress and holding leaders accountable for outcomes.
The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to concerns, and pupils are taught to stay safe, particularly in relation to online activities. The school promotes a culture of respect and understanding, with pupils demonstrating positive behavior and a commitment to their responsibilities within the school community. Overall, Stoke Park Junior School provides a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally, preparing them well for their future educational journeys.
