Located on Beckhampton Road in Nottingham, Southglade Primary and Nursery School has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on January 18 and 19, 2022. The school, which caters to children aged 3 to 11, has demonstrated a commitment to fostering both academic and personal development among its pupils.
Southglade Primary and Nursery School is characterized by its vibrant and busy atmosphere. The staff at the school provide a diverse range of opportunities that enhance students' learning experiences. From sports and music to more unique offerings like karaoke and yoga, the school ensures that all pupils have access to extra-curricular activities that nurture their interests and talents.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. They engage actively in their learning, demonstrating keen listening skills and a willingness to contribute ideas. This positive attitude towards learning is further supported by the school's effective approach to managing behavior and addressing any issues that arise, including bullying. The use of 'worry boxes' and 'worry monsters' allows students to express their concerns in a safe environment, while trained learning mentors provide essential pastoral care.
The leadership team at Southglade has made significant strides in revising the curriculum across all subjects, ensuring that it is well-structured and clearly outlines the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire. This curriculum overhaul has positively impacted students' ability to retain and apply knowledge over time.
Mathematics stands out as a particular strength of the school, with high-quality training and coaching provided to staff. This has resulted in confident learners who can articulate their understanding of various problem-solving strategies. The early years program also lays a strong foundation in mathematics, with children actively engaged in learning activities.
In addition to mathematics, the school places a strong emphasis on reading. The revised 'book-based' curriculum incorporates carefully selected texts, and new leaders for early reading and phonics have been appointed to ensure that all pupils become proficient readers by the end of Year 2. The introduction of decodable books for early readers is already having a positive impact on students' confidence and fluency.
Beyond academics, Southglade Primary and Nursery School is dedicated to the broader development of its pupils. The school exposes students to a variety of creative and cultural experiences, including partnerships with local organizations like the Nottingham Playhouse theatre. Assemblies and curriculum activities promote understanding of diverse faiths and cultures, fostering values such as respect and empathy.
The well-being of staff is also a priority, with the majority expressing satisfaction with the support they receive regarding workload and mental health. Governors actively engage in discussions about staff well-being, recognizing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas identified for further development. The current approach to teaching phonics is not yet systematic enough, and leaders are working to implement a new, more structured phonics program. This initiative aims to enhance pupils' reading skills and ensure they become fluent readers more quickly.
In summary, Southglade Primary and Nursery School continues to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for its pupils. With a strong focus on academic achievement, personal development, and well-being, the school is well-positioned to support its students in becoming confident, capable learners. As it moves forward, the commitment to refining its phonics instruction will be crucial in further enhancing the educational experience for all pupils.
