Medina Primary School, located in Cosham, Portsmouth, received a positive inspection report, highlighting its overall effectiveness as good. The school is committed to providing a high-quality education for its pupils, with senior leaders demonstrating a strong determination to ensure that all students receive the best possible start to their educational journey. The leadership team, including the headteacher and deputy headteacher, has established an ambitious and caring culture within the school, fostering a sense of pride among pupils, staff, and parents.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is consistently good across the school. Teachers effectively utilize their subject knowledge and questioning techniques to enhance pupils' understanding and engagement. Most pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, make good progress from their typically low starting points. However, there is a noted need for improvement in the progress of the most able pupils, who do not always reach their full potential. While pupils excel in mathematics, particularly older students, their writing skills lag behind their achievements in reading and mathematics.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well supported and make strong progress. The school environment is one where pupils feel safe and valued, contributing to their overall well-being. Attendance rates are high, and pupils enjoy a variety of enriching opportunities that enhance their educational experience. The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development effectively, preparing them to be considerate citizens in modern Britain.
The governing body plays an active role in the school's success, challenging leaders to ensure high standards of teaching and learning. Governors are well-informed and engage with the school community to understand the effectiveness of the school's initiatives. The school has a robust system for safeguarding, ensuring that pupils are safe and well-supported.
In the early years provision, children are cared for by attentive staff who have high expectations for behavior and learning. The stimulating environment encourages curiosity and exploration, allowing children to make good progress in various areas of their development. Leaders are focused on continuously improving early literacy and mathematics skills, ensuring that children are well-prepared for their transition into primary education.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, the school recognizes areas for further improvement. Key recommendations include enhancing the teaching of English grammar to support writing development, providing more opportunities for the most able pupils to engage in challenging work, and developing the effectiveness of subject leaders in improving teaching and curriculum delivery.
Overall, Medina Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. The commitment of the leadership team, the quality of teaching, and the positive relationships within the school community contribute to a strong foundation for pupils' learning and personal development. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement, ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential and are prepared for future challenges.
