South Baddesley Church of England Primary School and Nursery, located in South Baddesley, Lymington, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 20 June 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere where pupils enjoy attending and develop strong relationships with one another. The small size of the school fosters a sense of community, allowing pupils to play together happily during break times and engage in various activities, such as exploring the forest area and participating in music during lunch.
The school emphasizes high expectations for pupil achievement, aligning with its vision and values that encourage pupils to strive, believe, and shine in their endeavors. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to cater to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has carefully structured the learning journey from nursery onwards, ensuring that knowledge and skills build progressively over time. This approach has led to pupils becoming confident learners who achieve well across a range of subjects.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities within the school community, participating in class meetings and leading initiatives that aim to improve their environment. Events such as weekly community worship assemblies and an annual clothes swap highlight the active involvement of pupils in school life, fostering resilience and public speaking skills. The school also prioritizes reading, integrating it into all aspects of the curriculum. Pupils in key stage two are inspired by the literature they encounter, while younger children are captivated by songs and stories shared with them.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The implementation of a new approach in key stage one has not yet fully captured pupils' interest, leading to some disengagement and a lack of retention of knowledge. Additionally, not all staff consistently assess pupils' reading development effectively, which can hinder some pupils from achieving the fluency they need. The school is aware of these challenges and is working to ensure that all staff provide effective support for pupils learning to read.
The school has established strong relationships with pupils and their families, which underpins high expectations for behavior and attendance. As a result, pupils generally exhibit good behavior and attendance. The governing body is actively involved in providing direction and support to school leaders, ensuring that staff feel valued and supported in their roles.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all pupils. The school is committed to developing strong character traits in pupils, preparing them for life in modern Britain through various educational experiences and community engagement. Overall, South Baddesley Church of England Primary School and Nursery continues to provide a good quality of education, with a focus on nurturing responsible citizens and fostering a love for learning among its pupils. The school is dedicated to addressing areas for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all students.
