Park Gate Primary School, located in Southampton, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The school fosters an environment where respect is paramount, and pupils are encouraged to embody the values of resilience, kindness, and trust through a framework known as ‘The Park Gate Way.’ From the outset, students are immersed in a supportive educational atmosphere that promotes achievement and personal growth. Teachers meticulously plan lessons to maximize learning opportunities, ensuring that pupils are engaged and motivated.
The leadership team actively celebrates students who exemplify school values, designating them as ‘values ambassadors’ for the week. This initiative, along with the consistent modeling of expected behaviors by adults, contributes to a positive and happy school culture. Pupils report that bullying is rare, and when incidents occur, they are addressed promptly and fairly by staff. For those who struggle with behavioral expectations, dedicated staff provide guidance to help them understand how to improve.
The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles, such as house captains, who mentor younger students and serve as role models. This sense of responsibility fosters maturity and a desire to support peers. Leaders at Park Gate Primary School are committed to providing a broad and engaging curriculum, with clear objectives for knowledge and skills across all subjects. However, some subjects have had more time to develop than others, resulting in uneven attainment of the desired knowledge and skills among pupils.
Reading is a priority at the school, with phonics instruction commencing early in the academic year. Pupils demonstrate a love for reading and engage enthusiastically in lessons tailored to their reading abilities. Teachers employ effective strategies to reinforce learning, ensuring that key concepts are retained. For instance, consistent questioning techniques allow educators to assess pupil understanding, while repetition of phrases aids in embedding knowledge.
The school is inclusive, placing a strong emphasis on supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Systems are in place to identify individual needs, and tailored support is provided. However, communication with parents regarding their child's support is an area for improvement, as they do not consistently receive written updates on the assistance their child is receiving.
Pupil behavior is generally calm and orderly, contributing to a focused learning environment. While most students engage well in activities, some require additional support to manage their emotions, which is effectively provided by skilled staff. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is relevant and thoughtfully designed to address the needs of pupils, promoting an understanding of diversity and moral issues.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular experiences, including educational trips, sports, music, and creative opportunities, which are well-received by both staff and pupils. The governing body plays an active role in ensuring that the school meets the needs of its community, and staff express high levels of satisfaction with the support they receive. Parents also report positive experiences, highlighting the school's impact on their children's development.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety and regular training for staff. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe in various situations, including online environments. While the school has made significant strides in curriculum development, further efforts are needed to fully embed the intended curriculum across all subjects to ensure that pupils acquire the comprehensive knowledge and skills expected. Regular assessments of pupil learning will be essential in achieving this goal.
