Southwood Primary School, located on Keppel Road in Dagenham, Essex RM9 5LT, underwent an inspection on 3 and 4 July 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as Good.
Key Findings:
Quality of Education: The curriculum at Southwood Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively. However, there are instances where the subject content is not taught in the intended sequence, leading to gaps in knowledge for some pupils.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils demonstrate respectful and thoughtful behaviour, with the school environment being calm and conducive to learning. Leaders have high expectations for behaviour, and pupils are encouraged to learn from their mistakes.
Personal Development: The school promotes personal development through community service and leadership roles, fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement among pupils.
Leadership and Management: The leadership team is effective in driving improvements and supporting staff, with the governing body providing robust support and challenge. Staff report feeling supported and valued, with considerations for workload and well-being.
Early Years Provision: The early years provision is well-organized, focusing on developing foundational skills and fostering curiosity and a love for learning among children.
Areas for Improvement:
1. Curriculum Sequencing: In some subjects, the teaching does not consistently follow the planned sequence, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding. Leaders should ensure that all subjects are taught in line with the intended curriculum sequence.
2. Support for SEND Pupils: The essential knowledge that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) need to acquire is not always clearly defined. Leaders should explicitly outline the specific content that these pupils need to know and remember.
Safeguarding: The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders prioritizing the well-being of pupils and establishing a culture of shared responsibility among staff.
Conclusion:
Southwood Primary School has made commendable progress since its previous inspection, moving from Requires Improvement to Good. The school provides a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. Continued focus on curriculum sequencing and support for SEND pupils will further enhance the quality of education provided.
School Details:
- Unique Reference Number: 131845
- Local Authority: Barking and Dagenham
- Type of School: Primary
- Age Range of Pupils: 3 to 11
- Number of Pupils on Roll: 635
- Website: www.southwoodprimary.co.uk
Inspection Team:
- Kieran Bird, Lead Inspector
- Pamela Fearnley, Ofsted Inspector
- Lorraine Slee, Ofsted Inspector
- Dawn Titus, Ofsted Inspector
- Jo Jones, Ofsted Inspector
This report highlights the strengths of Southwood Primary School while also identifying key areas for improvement, ensuring that the school continues to provide a high-quality education for all its pupils.
