Southway Primary School, located in South Way, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 5EZ, has recently undergone a significant transformation, as highlighted in its latest Ofsted inspection report. The school, which previously required improvement, has now achieved a commendable rating of Good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
Pupils at Southway Primary School thrive in a friendly and vibrant atmosphere where learning is both enjoyable and engaging. Teachers are dedicated to making lessons interesting and recognize and nurture the individual talents of each student. The school's commitment to high expectations encourages pupils to work hard and aspire to achieve their best. The school's core values, known as the Southway Seven, emphasize honesty, kindness, and respect, fostering a positive environment where pupils understand the importance of treating each other well.
Feedback from parents and pupils reflects a high level of satisfaction with the school. One parent noted, There have been many improvements at school. The children want to be there, want to learn, and want to do well. My child is very happy at this school, and I actively recommend Southway to other parents.
The leadership team at Southway has implemented an ambitious curriculum that is carefully designed to meet the needs of pupils from the early years through to Year 6. They have identified learning gaps resulting from the pandemic and have made temporary adjustments to the curriculum to address these challenges. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and adapt their lessons accordingly, ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), receive the support they need.
Reading is a top priority at Southway, with pupils starting their reading journey as soon as they enter the school. The school library is a popular resource, and pupils enjoy selecting books and reading independently. While the training for staff in teaching reading is robust, leaders are currently reviewing the resources used to ensure they are of the highest quality.
Pupils exhibit calm and orderly behaviour, demonstrating a strong focus on their work. The school has established effective routines that promote independence from an early age. Additionally, pupils are encouraged to explore their interests through various clubs, including musical, academic, sporting, and well-being activities. The personal, social, and health education curriculum equips pupils with essential knowledge about safety and healthy relationships, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
The leadership team prioritizes the development of staff, utilizing support from the multi-academy trust (MAT) to provide high-quality training and coaching. This investment in professional development has resulted in confident teachers who deliver subjects with strong subject knowledge. Governors are actively involved in the school's progress, asking challenging questions and ensuring that improvements are effectively implemented.
The school places a high priority on safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils. Staff receive regular training, and there is a strong culture of vigilance regarding safeguarding concerns. Pupils are educated about the importance of safety, including their behaviour, relationships, and technology use.
While Southway Primary School has made significant strides, there are still areas for growth. Leaders are working to ensure that the resources used for teaching reading are consistently high quality and well-suited to meet pupils' needs. Additionally, the school is focused on identifying and meeting the needs of all pupils with SEND more precisely, particularly those with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
In conclusion, Southway Primary School stands as a testament to the power of effective leadership, community support, and a commitment to continuous improvement. With a strong foundation in place, the school is well-positioned to build on its successes and further enhance the educational experience for its pupils. As it continues to implement its plans for improvement, Southway Primary School is undoubtedly a school to watch in the coming years.
