Locks Heath Junior School, located in Southampton, Hampshire, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its commitment to providing a high-quality education. The school has been rated as good in all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This marks a consistent performance since the previous inspection, which also rated the school as good.
Pupils at Locks Heath Junior School demonstrate a strong sense of respect, which is a core value of the institution. The relationships among pupils and between pupils and staff are characterized by warmth and trust, contributing to a safe and happy learning environment. Staff maintain high expectations for all students and consistently apply school rules, resulting in good behavior across the school.
The school has ambitious goals for its pupils, who achieve well academically. Pupils are familiar with the school’s learning values, such as perseverance and curiosity, which they believe help them to work diligently. The school places a strong emphasis on mental health and well-being, with skilled pastoral staff providing support to help pupils manage their emotions. This includes therapeutic support and daily check-ins, which have proven effective in fostering resilience and independence among vulnerable pupils.
The curriculum at Locks Heath Junior School is designed to be aspirational and meets the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff have a clear understanding of what pupils need to learn, particularly in English and mathematics, where pupils demonstrate confidence and proficiency. In these subjects, pupils are able to recall prior learning and apply it effectively.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some subjects where assessment practices could be improved. In certain subjects, teachers do not always identify gaps in learning accurately, which can hinder some pupils from acquiring essential skills and knowledge. Additionally, in a few subjects, teachers' subject knowledge is not as secure, leading to less effective explanations of content.
Pupils at the school enjoy reading and become fluent readers, engaging with high-quality texts that align with their phonics knowledge. Staff are adept at delivering the phonics curriculum, enabling early readers to gain confidence quickly. Teachers are proactive in identifying pupils who may be falling behind and provide effective support to help them catch up.
The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including disadvantaged students, receive the necessary support to succeed. Staff are aware of the barriers to learning that some pupils face and adapt their teaching accordingly. This high level of support contributes to the overall positive learning experience at the school.
Attendance is a priority at Locks Heath Junior School, with staff closely monitoring pupil absence and providing additional support to those who need it. This focus has led to significant improvements in attendance rates.
The school invests in high-quality training and support for its dedicated team of teachers and support staff, fostering a sense of pride in their work. Governors share the school’s high ambitions and provide appropriate guidance and support.
Pupils benefit from a broad range of enrichment activities and take pride in their leadership roles within the school. They learn about various cultures and beliefs, promoting an understanding of diversity. The school encourages older pupils to engage with the local community through initiatives like the Civic Award.
Overall, Locks Heath Junior School is a nurturing and effective educational environment where pupils thrive academically and personally, supported by a dedicated staff and a strong community ethos.
