Stanmore Primary School, located in Winchester, Hampshire, has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, achieving a commendable rating of good across all key areas including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a positive and safe environment where pupils enjoy attending and thrive on strong relationships among pupils, families, and staff. The school's vision encourages pupils and staff to strive for their best, promoting self-motivation and hard work in lessons. Pupils typically achieve well, demonstrating good behaviour and engagement in their learning.
The school offers a broad range of enrichment opportunities, including music programs where Year 3 pupils learn brass instruments, as well as extracurricular clubs such as Spanish, football, and chess. This commitment to a well-rounded education is evident in the school's active role within the community, collaborating with local services to ensure pupils feel safe and supported beyond the school environment. The school also hosts events like coffee mornings to assist parents and carers, which has garnered positive feedback from families.
The leadership team and governors have worked diligently to enhance the quality of education, setting high aspirations for pupils. Staff members are supportive of the changes implemented and appreciate the professional development opportunities provided. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring a clear progression of learning from Reception to Year 6. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in non-core subjects where the school has not clearly defined the essential knowledge that pupils should retain long-term. This lack of clarity can hinder teachers' ability to prioritize content and assess pupils' retention effectively.
Teachers are skilled and confident in delivering the curriculum, thanks to well-planned professional development. They effectively model new concepts and support pupils in using subject-specific vocabulary. The transformation in teaching practices has led to improved learning outcomes, particularly in mathematics, where teachers actively address gaps in understanding. The early years provision is strong, with children developing a solid foundation in numeracy skills.
Pastoral support is a notable strength of the school, with a clear approach to managing behaviour and high expectations for pupil conduct. The school has successfully reduced suspensions and provides tailored support for vulnerable pupils through its nurture provision. Reading is prioritized, with effective phonics instruction in the early years and key stage 1, ensuring pupils develop strong reading skills and a love for books.
While most pupils attend school regularly, there are still some who miss school frequently, which impacts their learning. The school is committed to working with families to improve attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils. The curriculum also emphasizes pupils' wider development, teaching them about diversity and different cultures, which fosters an appreciation for varying perspectives.
The safeguarding arrangements at Stanmore Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is focused on continuous improvement, with a clear understanding of the areas that require further attention, particularly in ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential and attend school consistently. Overall, Stanmore Primary School is making significant strides in providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
