St Jude's CofE Primary School in Portsmouth has undergone an ungraded inspection on July 2 and 3, 2024, and has maintained its overall judgement of good. However, the evidence suggests that if a graded inspection were conducted now, the results might not reflect the same high standards. The next inspection will be a graded one. Pupils at St Jude's take pride in their school and actively participate in various clubs and activities, particularly enjoying the strong music program that contributes to their overall development. They represent the school in musical and sporting events with enthusiasm.
The school emphasizes core values, particularly kindness, which fosters a calm and nurturing environment. This ethos is evident during social times, where pupils from different year groups interact positively, sharing equipment and including everyone in their games. Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of safety protocols, discussing the importance of following procedures during emergencies, such as fire alarms.
The curriculum at St Jude's is in a state of development, with some subjects more advanced than others. This inconsistency has led to varying levels of achievement among pupils. The new headteacher has quickly grasped the strengths and areas for improvement within the school, and staff generally feel well-supported and appreciate the training provided. The school collaborates with external agencies to enhance its curriculum.
While subjects like physical education and music are well-defined and sequenced, others are still transitioning, causing a disconnect between old and new systems. Teachers in these areas may lack confidence in delivering content effectively. Although there are systems in place for identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, staff sometimes struggle to support these pupils adequately in class. The targets set for these pupils are often not precise enough, hindering their learning.
This academic year has seen a strong focus on reading, with an understanding of its importance for all pupils. Training has been provided for staff to deliver phonics instruction, but there is variability in its implementation. Some staff excel in teaching phonics, while others do not consistently meet the school's expectations. Older pupils show a passion for reading, engaging in thoughtful discussions about their books and authors.
The school maintains high expectations for behavior, instilling routines from the early years that promote sharing and taking turns. This focus contributes to a positive and calm school environment, where pupils feel confident that any incidents of unkindness will be addressed fairly. The school takes prejudicial behavior seriously and seeks external support when necessary.
Pupils' wider development is a notable strength, with opportunities for leadership roles such as eco-warriors and school council members. They take these responsibilities seriously and understand their impact on the school community. Enthusiasm for extracurricular activities is high, with pupils particularly engaged during events like the string quartet concert.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Jude's are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, to improve, the school must ensure that staff consistently adapt their teaching for pupils with special educational needs. Additionally, the curriculum needs refinement to clearly identify essential knowledge for pupils, ensuring that key information is retained. The delivery of phonics sessions must also be standardized to enhance reading proficiency among pupils. Overall, while St Jude's has many strengths, there are areas that require attention to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
