King’s Somborne Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 10, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy and eager to attend. Strong relationships between staff and students contribute to a respectful atmosphere, allowing pupils to feel safe and confident. The leadership team maintains high expectations for all students, encouraging them to work diligently to enhance their knowledge and skills. This commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the pupils' engagement and interest in their lessons.
The school has established clear behavior rules that are well understood by both staff and pupils, resulting in a calm and orderly environment. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and are aware of what constitutes bullying, trusting that their teachers will address any issues that arise. The school offers a variety of experiences that broaden pupils' understanding of the world and help develop their personal skills. The extensive outdoor areas, including a yurt, provide unique spaces for learning and reflection. Pupils benefit from additional opportunities such as educational trips, which enhance their learning experiences.
The curriculum at King’s Somborne is broad, interesting, and ambitious, with leaders focused on providing the best possible educational foundation for all pupils. The curriculum is designed to ensure that key knowledge is effectively taught and sequenced, allowing pupils to build on prior learning. In subjects like mathematics, staff emphasize essential knowledge, such as times tables and calculation strategies, which are crucial for problem-solving. However, there are areas where curriculum planning has not been fully developed, leading to some gaps in knowledge and skills that pupils should have acquired in previous years. The headteacher has been instrumental in the initial development of the curriculum, and staff are now taking on more responsibility to refine and enhance subject guidance.
In the early years, children receive a strong start in learning to read through a well-structured phonics program. This program outlines the sounds children will learn from their first days at school and continues to support reading development beyond the Reception class. Staff are well-trained to deliver this program, fostering a love for reading among pupils. Regular practice opportunities help pupils develop fluency, confidence, and vocabulary, with additional support provided for those who may fall behind.
Teachers conduct accurate assessments to monitor pupils' understanding across various subjects, ensuring that learning is revisited as needed. This approach helps solidify pupils' knowledge before introducing new concepts. Leaders prioritize identifying the needs of pupils from the outset, ensuring that those with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support. The school also provides a rich array of extracurricular activities that promote personal development and confidence, including sports and clubs.
Pupils at King’s Somborne are friendly and polite, demonstrating respect for one another and understanding the school’s values. Low-level disruption in lessons is minimal, as pupils are aware of behavioral expectations. Leaders are mindful of staff workload and well-being, recognizing the need to enhance support for staff in developing their curriculum leadership skills.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff are well-trained to identify concerns, and leaders maintain thorough records and seek external support when necessary. The curriculum includes lessons on staying safe, particularly in online environments.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance curriculum guidance in certain subjects to address existing gaps in pupils' learning. Continued development of subject leadership will ensure that staff have the necessary expertise to further improve their subjects. Overall, King’s Somborne Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils.
