Fairisle Junior School, located in Southampton, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 4 and 5, 2023. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community where leaders and staff demonstrate a genuine care for every pupil. High expectations are set for both learning and behavior, and pupils respond positively to these challenges. The ethos of expecting success is evident throughout the school environment.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, moving through the school in a calm and purposeful manner. In classrooms, they display positive attitudes towards learning, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The relationships between pupils and adults are strong, fostering an atmosphere of trust where pupils feel safe to express any concerns. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, ensuring that any incidents are dealt with promptly.
The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities, such as designing badges for the king's coronation and participating in charitable activities like a reverse advent calendar for a local food bank. This involvement helps to cultivate a sense of responsibility and community awareness among the pupils.
Reading has been prioritized by school leaders, who have implemented a phonics program and ensured that staff are well-trained in its delivery. This focus has resulted in significant support for pupils struggling with early reading skills, allowing them to catch up with their peers. The new reading hub has become a popular space for pupils to select books, and they look forward to special rewards like choosing a book from a vending machine on their birthdays.
The curriculum is designed to be broad and engaging, with high ambitions for all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs. The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to quickly grasp key concepts. Recent reviews of foundation subjects aim to ensure that all pupils know what they should learn and remember across year groups. In most subjects, learning builds on prior knowledge, although some gaps remain due to the pandemic, which leaders are addressing.
Teachers effectively recap prior learning at the start of lessons and check for understanding at the end, providing additional support where needed. The special educational needs coordinator has established systems to identify barriers to learning, and adaptations are made to ensure that all pupils can succeed. However, further adjustments in some foundation subjects are necessary to prevent gaps in learning for pupils with special educational needs.
The school maintains a consistent behavior policy, resulting in calm classrooms where pupils are focused and engaged. The rules of respect, readiness, and safety are well understood by pupils, who are aware of the consequences of not adhering to them. The development of pupils as responsible citizens is a priority, with leaders encouraging independent thinking and respect for diversity.
Leaders are mindful of staff workload, and teachers appreciate the time allocated for subject development. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff who promptly address concerns and ensure that vulnerable pupils receive the necessary support. The curriculum also teaches pupils how to stay safe in various situations, including online safety.
While the school has made significant strides, leaders recognize the need for further implementation of changes in foundation subjects to ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, receive a well-sequenced education that meets their needs. Overall, Fairisle Junior School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
