St John’s Primary and Nursery School in Southampton has undergone an inspection that highlights both its strengths and areas for improvement. The school is characterized by a caring environment where staff are attentive to the needs of each pupil, fostering a sense of belonging and security. Pupils express enjoyment in their learning, particularly in science, and they engage well with their peers through various extracurricular activities. The recent appointment of a new headteacher has positively impacted the school, particularly in transforming behavior and creating a more conducive learning atmosphere. Classrooms are now calmer, and pupils understand the high expectations set for them, taking pride in their achievements.
Despite these positive aspects, the school is rated as requiring improvement in overall effectiveness and the quality of education. While leaders have prioritized the development of English and mathematics, which are now being taught effectively, other subjects still need refinement in their curriculum planning. For instance, in science, pupils tend to remember engaging experiments rather than the underlying concepts, indicating a lack of clarity in essential knowledge and its sequencing. Additionally, teachers do not consistently check for understanding, leading to unaddressed misconceptions.
In the early years, children are off to a good start, benefiting from well-structured activities that promote confidence and independence. However, there are missed opportunities for staff to enhance vocabulary development, which is crucial for overall learning. The school prides itself on its inclusive ethos, particularly in its efforts to support refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring that every pupil feels a sense of belonging. Leaders are adept at identifying special educational needs, and staff are trained to support a diverse range of learners effectively.
Pupils demonstrate strong achievements in reading and mathematics, with effective phonics training ensuring consistency from early years through to key stage one. Teachers provide ample opportunities for practice, which helps pupils develop a sense of accomplishment. Attendance is generally good, although there are a few pupils who do not attend regularly. The school is actively working to improve this situation through supportive measures for families.
Behavior in the school is commendable, with pupils displaying positive attitudes and respectful conduct. They learn to keep themselves safe and healthy, developing a strong sense of tolerance and empathy through discussions about different cultures and religions. Staff appreciate the professional development opportunities available to them, and leaders are mindful of their workload while striving for continuous improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at St John’s are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of harm and report concerns promptly. Leaders maintain strong relationships with pupils and their families, understanding the community's context and potential risks. The school collaborates with external professionals to ensure that children receive the necessary support.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to clarify the knowledge and skills required in subjects like religious education, science, and history. Teachers require further training to design and sequence curriculum content effectively. Additionally, consistent assessment practices across subjects, including the early years, need to be established to ensure that pupils retain and understand key knowledge. Overall, while St John’s Primary and Nursery School has made significant strides, focused efforts are needed to address the identified areas for improvement to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential.
