Shirley Junior School, located in Southampton, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The school emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils feel valued and understood. The curriculum is designed to highlight the unique qualities of each student, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility among pupils. They actively participate in various roles, such as pond monitors, which instills a sense of duty and prepares them for future responsibilities. The school environment promotes sociability during playtimes, with pupils engaging in various activities and adhering to established rules for safety.
The curriculum at Shirley Junior School is well-structured, enabling pupils to achieve commendable academic results. Teachers employ effective systems to help students grasp essential concepts across subjects. However, there are some inconsistencies in the implementation of these strategies in certain areas. Teachers demonstrate a solid understanding of how to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, making necessary adaptations to ensure inclusive learning. The school has effective processes for identifying these pupils and utilizes questioning and retrieval tasks to reinforce learning.
A strong emphasis on reading is evident throughout the school, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for the books they read. The selection of texts aims to enhance awareness of diversity and improve reading skills. For those at the early stages of reading, a phonics program has been introduced to help them catch up with their peers. While adults generally provide strong support during reading interventions, there are minor variations in the effectiveness of this support due to differing levels of staff subject knowledge.
Behavior management is another area where the school excels. The behavior system is well understood by pupils, who report improvements in how behavior is addressed. The school adopts a zero-tolerance approach to prejudicial behavior, ensuring that any incidents are dealt with promptly. However, some parents and pupils still express concerns about the handling of behavior issues, prompting leaders to enhance communication regarding the behavior policy.
The school is committed to supporting the wider development of its pupils, instilling values of respect, integrity, and kindness. Pupils are encouraged to voice their opinions through ambassador roles, contributing to a culture of respect and consideration for others. The leadership team, including the multi-academy trust and local governing committee, provides strong support to ensure the best outcomes for pupils.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a culture of awareness among staff regarding potential risks. All staff have undergone training to recognize and report concerns, fostering a safe environment for pupils. The school also educates pupils on safety in various contexts, including online environments.
Despite the positive aspects, there are areas for improvement. Some inconsistencies in the support provided to pupils learning to read need to be addressed to ensure all pupils progress at an optimal pace. Additionally, certain areas of the curriculum require further refinement to align with leadership expectations. Leaders are tasked with ensuring that all staff consistently apply agreed pedagogical approaches.
Overall, Shirley Junior School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment, with a strong focus on inclusivity, academic achievement, and personal development. The commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of pupils is evident in the school's practices and policies.
