Oliver’s Battery Primary School, located in Winchester, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 1st and 2nd, 2019. The school is characterized by a caring environment where pupils feel valued and supported. Students express a strong sense of belonging, highlighting the friendships they form as a key aspect of their positive experience. Older pupils demonstrate kindness towards younger students, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
The school’s curriculum is designed to engage pupils, who show enthusiasm for their lessons and a commitment to their studies. Teachers maintain high expectations, encouraging students to work diligently. Year 6 pupils, in particular, are motivated to excel in preparation for their transition to secondary school. They enjoy physical education and sports sessions led by secondary school teachers, which enhances their learning experience. Mathematics is a subject that many pupils enjoy, alongside practical and creative subjects.
While most able pupils find ample opportunities for challenge, those with special educational needs and disabilities sometimes feel less successful compared to their peers. The school has a low incidence of bullying, and when issues arise, pupils trust that staff will address them promptly. Students are well-informed about safety, including online safety, which contributes to their overall confidence.
The school excels in achieving high standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. Leaders have focused on improving pupil progress and have set ambitious goals for all students to succeed across subjects. Recent curriculum revisions aim to enhance learning experiences. Reception children are effectively mastering early reading skills, and Key Stage 1 pupils are eager to practice their reading, making significant progress.
Mathematics instruction is well-planned, allowing children to develop fluency with numbers from an early age. By Year 6, most pupils can tackle complex problems requiring multiple steps in reasoning. However, some subjects, such as history, lack the same level of detailed planning, and curriculum leaders need to enhance their oversight of pupil achievement in these areas.
The school council has established a behavior charter that promotes a calm and purposeful environment. Pupils respect their teachers and contribute to a positive classroom atmosphere. Disadvantaged pupils are encouraged to participate in various school activities, including visits and after-school clubs that cater to their interests.
Leaders prioritize the emotional well-being of pupils and have recognized an increasing need for additional support. The school provides resources to help students manage anxiety, and those with special educational needs make notable progress in early reading and mathematics. However, their needs are not as effectively met in other subjects, and they may not be as fully engaged in school life as their peers.
Staff workload is managed to ensure it remains reasonable, and teachers take pride in their work at the school. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of abuse and respond appropriately. Regular reminders about online safety are provided to pupils.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the planning of foundation subjects to ensure pupils learn and retain essential knowledge. Curriculum leaders should maintain a sharper focus on the standards achieved in their subjects. Additionally, the support plans for pupils with special educational needs require further development to ensure high academic ambitions are consistently upheld across all areas of school life. Overall, Oliver’s Battery Primary School demonstrates a commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment for all its pupils.
