Shirehampton Primary School, located in Bristol, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 18 and 19, 2023. The school fosters an inclusive environment where pupils enjoy attending and build trusted relationships with staff. The positive interactions among pupils are attributed to the effective role modeling by leaders and staff, who maintain high expectations for behavior. Disruptive behavior is addressed promptly, and pupils understand the distinction between conflicts and bullying, with confidence in staff to manage any bullying incidents effectively.
The school provides strong support for the emotional and social well-being of its pupils, particularly those with additional needs, starting from the Nursery Year. Staff are dedicated to ensuring that every pupil achieves their best. Extra-curricular activities, including art, drama, and sports clubs, are available to all pupils, enhancing their school experience. Pupils also participate in the school and eco council, and they benefit from assemblies featuring guest speakers that promote safety and healthy relationships.
Parents and carers express high satisfaction with the school's efforts to help children thrive both emotionally and academically, appreciating the nurturing atmosphere created by the staff. The school prioritizes reading, with a consistent phonics curriculum that begins in the Reception Year. Children quickly learn the sounds that letters represent, supported by well-trained staff who guide their spoken language development. This focus on reading continues into Key Stage 1, where pupils at risk of falling behind receive additional support to catch up. Older pupils are introduced to exciting books and authors, fostering a love for reading.
Leaders and teachers have carefully planned the curriculum, ensuring that subject plans are well sequenced and include memorable experiences such as trips and guest visits. Vocabulary development is emphasized from early years, aiding pupils' learning across subjects. In mathematics, pupils build their knowledge of numbers effectively, enabling them to perform complex calculations. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in written work, where some pupils do not take enough care, leading to avoidable errors.
In English and mathematics, leaders regularly assess pupils' understanding, but this practice is not as consistent in other subjects. Some subject leaders lack a detailed understanding of how well pupils are progressing, resulting in knowledge gaps that hinder overall progress. Staff are attuned to the complex needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that learning is tailored to meet individual requirements. The school evaluates the effectiveness of its provision for these pupils, preparing them well for future educational steps.
Leaders emphasize the importance of pupils' wider development alongside academic achievement. The curriculum provides various experiences that help pupils understand and build positive relationships. Peer mentoring is utilized to foster good interactions among pupils, and they learn about different faiths and families. However, the personal development curriculum could be enhanced to strengthen pupils' understanding of diverse cultures beyond their immediate community.
Staff collaboration is strong, with leaders considering their workload. Governors have a clear vision for the school's future and are aware of its strengths and areas for improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff are vigilant and well-informed about safeguarding procedures, ensuring pupils know how to stay safe, both online and in their daily lives. Overall, Shirehampton Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, with clear pathways for improvement identified in the inspection report.
