Vigo Primary School, located in Andover, Hampshire, underwent an inspection on October 4 and 5, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. The school fosters a warm and welcoming environment where every pupil feels valued. Staff greet students with smiles, and pupils respond with politeness and respect. The school emphasizes inclusion and maintains high expectations for all students, contributing to their success in learning. Parents appreciate the dedication of the staff, who go above and beyond to support individual needs.
Pupils adhere to the school's Vigo Hi-Five rules, demonstrating hard work in lessons and kindness towards one another. When students struggle with their emotions, staff provide calm and nurturing support, resulting in good behavior throughout the school. Bullying is not a concern for pupils, as they trust that any incidents will be addressed promptly by staff. The school choir is a highlight, showcasing pupils' pride and Makaton signing skills during community events, which enhances the school's reputation.
Leaders have been proactive in improving the curriculum, ensuring it is engaging and ambitious. In most subjects, key content is well-planned, and teachers assess pupils' understanding effectively. However, in a few foundation subjects, the curriculum is still being developed, which can hinder pupils' learning. Reading is a strong focus, with staff trained to teach reading effectively from the start of school. Pupils read books that match their learning levels, and older students receive additional support as needed. The school promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including library visits during lunchtime.
Support for language and communication development is effective, with staff encouraging questions and discussions from the early years. Pupils are engaged in topics such as gravity and solar panels, demonstrating their curiosity. The special educational needs coordinator ensures that teachers can identify pupils needing extra help, and many receive support within their classes. The school also has provisions for pupils with speech, language, and communication needs.
Pupils benefit from personal development initiatives, including the school's mirror values, which encourage self-reflection and understanding of right and wrong. While pupils enjoy extracurricular clubs, they expressed a desire for more involvement in deciding which clubs are offered. Attendance remains a challenge for some pupils, and leaders are implementing strategies to improve this by strengthening relationships with families.
Governors are knowledgeable about the school and support leaders in their improvement efforts. However, some subject leaders are new to their roles and may need further development to effectively lead their subjects. Staff feel supported and valued, particularly those early in their careers. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns. Pupils learn about safety, including online safety and consent, and governors monitor safeguarding practices closely.
To further improve, the school needs to fully develop the curriculum in a few foundation subjects and ensure that subject leaders are equipped to lead their areas effectively. Additionally, strategies to improve attendance must be embedded and monitored for success. Overall, Vigo Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
