Foundry Lane Primary School, located in Southampton, has undergone an inspection that highlighted several strengths and areas for improvement. The school is characterized by a caring community where positive relationships are fostered between pupils and staff. Pupils are greeted warmly each morning, contributing to a calm and orderly environment. The school promotes a sense of safety, with adults providing support, particularly in specialized areas like counseling. Instances of bullying are rare and addressed promptly when they occur. Parents express satisfaction with the school's commitment to the well-being of their children.
The school is inclusive, teaching pupils important values such as honesty and tolerance. Older students take on responsibilities and participate in enriching activities, enhancing their personal development. The leadership team has raised expectations in core subjects like reading and mathematics, although there is a need for further development in other subjects to ensure a consistently ambitious curriculum. The school has made progress in strengthening subject leadership since the last inspection, which is commendable given the challenges posed by the pandemic.
While the teaching of knowledge and skills is effective in some subjects, there are gaps in others. Teachers assess pupils' understanding but do not always use this information to inform their teaching effectively. This can lead to misconceptions going unaddressed, particularly in subjects like science and geography. Some pupils are unclear about their strengths and areas for improvement, which can hinder their progress.
The school has a strong emphasis on promoting a love of reading from the outset. Staff assess reading skills and adapt their teaching to support pupils effectively, resulting in confident and fluent readers over time. Attendance rates are high, and staff provide tailored support to those struggling to attend. Behaviour in class is generally good, although some pupils may lose focus if lessons are not engaging enough.
Personal development is a notable strength, with a comprehensive curriculum that addresses social, health, and economic education. Pupils learn about diversity and the importance of treating others with respect. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, trips, and visits, which contribute to pupils' confidence and resilience. Parents appreciate the support provided to their children, noting the staff's dedication to their well-being.
The leadership team prioritizes the achievement of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that their needs are identified and addressed promptly. Governors work closely with school leaders to support improvements and prioritize safeguarding. Staff feel valued and supported in their roles.
The inspection identified areas for improvement, particularly in the effectiveness of assessments and the planning of subject content. Teachers need to ensure that they address gaps in knowledge and misconceptions more effectively. Additionally, the sequence of learning across subjects should be reviewed to build on pupils' prior knowledge more effectively. Overall, while Foundry Lane Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are clear areas where further development is needed to enhance the quality of education provided to its pupils.
