Botley Church of England Controlled Primary School, located in Southampton, Hampshire, was inspected on 10 and 11 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and early years provision are also rated as good, while leadership and management are deemed good as well. The school was last inspected 13 years ago, receiving an outstanding grade under a previous framework. Since then, the school has been exempt from routine inspections until November 2020, resulting in a longer gap between graded inspections.
Pupils at Botley Church of England Primary School demonstrate enthusiasm for their learning and take pride in their school community. Older students embrace leadership roles, such as house captains, and actively promote inclusivity during playtimes by organizing activities for their peers. The school fosters a nurturing environment where all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, feel safe and included. The school’s values of courage, respect, and stewardship are evident in the students' discussions about kindness and community involvement.
The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, preparing pupils for future educational stages and encouraging them to become active community members. Leaders have made intentional decisions regarding educational goals, which are reflected in the staff's commitment to student success. The curriculum has been refined to ensure that pupils understand key concepts and knowledge in each subject area, with a focus on adapting learning to meet individual needs. This approach has resulted in strong academic achievement among pupils, who are eager to engage in discussions about their learning.
While the school has made significant strides in vocabulary development, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are areas for improvement. Some pupils struggle to recall prior knowledge, indicating gaps in their learning. Leaders are encouraged to implement strategies that allow for regular revisiting of previously learned material to enhance retention. In the early years, the learning environment needs to better support vocabulary development, as staff do not consistently intervene to deepen children's understanding of key terms.
Reading is prioritized from the moment children enter Reception, with a structured phonics program in place. This consistency aids in the transition from early years to key stage one. The library is a welcoming space that encourages a love for reading, and storytime is a cherished activity across the school. Behaviour among pupils is exemplary, with a clear understanding of school rules linked to the institution's values. Relationships between staff and students are built on mutual respect, contributing to a calm and conducive learning atmosphere.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, which are well-attended and appreciated by pupils. Pastoral support is exceptional, with a curriculum that promotes understanding of relationships and safety. Pupils actively participate in fundraising and take pride in caring for the school's tranquility garden, demonstrating their commitment to stewardship.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To further improve, the school should focus on enhancing the retention of key knowledge and vocabulary development, particularly in the early years, to ensure that all pupils can build on their learning effectively. Overall, Botley Church of England Controlled Primary School provides a supportive and engaging educational environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.
