Wellstead Primary School, located in Hedge End, Southampton, has undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on January 15 and 16, 2020, and the school has not been inspected for eight years, which is longer than the typical five-year interval. The previous inspection in March 2012 rated the school as outstanding. The current judgment reflects changes in the school and the updated inspection framework.
The school is described as a happy environment where pupils are eager to learn and engage in their lessons. Teachers maintain high expectations and provide exciting learning experiences. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, showing respect and understanding towards one another, and they adhere to the school's ethos of treating everyone with care. The school community is perceived as a close-knit family, even as the school has nearly doubled in size over recent years. Parents appreciate the nurturing atmosphere that allows their children to feel safe and included.
Leaders at Wellstead Primary School are actively reviewing the curriculum to ensure it offers a broad and deep educational experience. There is a focus on enhancing the quality of teaching, particularly in mathematics and English, while also ensuring that pupils are appropriately challenged. While improvements have been noted in various subjects, there is still work to be done, especially in extending opportunities for the most able pupils. The school is committed to including students with special educational needs and disabilities in all lessons, although some staff require additional training to better support these pupils.
Despite the positive aspects, there are areas for improvement. Some pupils struggle to retain knowledge due to long gaps between lessons in subjects like science and geography, leading to superficial understanding. Additionally, there are instances where staff need to enhance their subject knowledge, particularly in religious education, to effectively teach the content.
Reading is a priority at Wellstead Primary School, and pupils demonstrate a genuine love for reading. The school has made changes to the selection of texts to provide greater challenges for pupils, particularly for the most able readers. The early years provision is noted for its high-quality teaching, with a strong emphasis on phonics and reading, ensuring that children develop their skills effectively.
Personal development is another strength of the school, with pupils demonstrating a good understanding of health and well-being. The school offers a variety of extracurricular experiences, encouraging pupils to reflect and engage in their personal growth. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a strong sense of individual responsibility fostered by staff.
Governance and leadership are effective, with leaders working collaboratively to drive improvements. The school maintains an inclusive culture where all staff feel supported. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to identify and report concerns regarding pupil welfare. Governors closely monitor safeguarding practices and ensure compliance with safety requirements.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders need to ensure that the curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced across all subjects. Additionally, further training for staff on supporting pupils with special educational needs is necessary. There is also a need for teachers to provide more precise instruction for the most able pupils to ensure they achieve their full potential by the time they leave the school. Overall, Wellstead Primary School is a positive learning environment with a commitment to continuous improvement.
