Southey Green Primary School and Nurseries, located at Crowder Avenue, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S5 7QG, recently underwent an Ofsted inspection on 19 and 20 October 2021. The school, which caters to children aged 2 to 11, is part of the Tapton School Academy Trust and has a current enrollment of 705 pupils.
The overall effectiveness of Southey Green Primary School was rated as Good, with consistent ratings of Good across all key areas: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a continuation of the school's previous inspection grade, which was also Good.
Pupils at Southey Green are described as happy, engaged, and eager to learn. The school fosters a family-like atmosphere, with staff maintaining high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Pupils embody the school's values of being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible, demonstrating positive attitudes towards their learning and interactions with peers.
The school has implemented effective behaviour management strategies, resulting in well-mannered and polite pupils who listen attentively and collaborate harmoniously during lessons. The school community, including parents, has expressed confidence in the school's approach to handling bullying and maintaining a respectful environment.
One of the standout features of Southey Green is its strong emphasis on reading. Leaders prioritize reading as a foundational skill, beginning with engaging storytelling in the early years and continuing with a structured approach to phonics and reading in later years. This commitment has led to pupils becoming fluent and confident readers, with additional support provided for those who struggle.
The curriculum is broad and well-planned, particularly in subjects like mathematics and science, where pupils build their skills systematically. The school also places importance on developing a rich vocabulary among students, although there is room for improvement in ensuring consistent application across all subjects.
Despite the school's strengths, the inspection highlighted areas for growth. Some teachers need to enhance their focus on ensuring pupils fully understand subject-specific vocabulary, as gaps in this knowledge can hinder learning. Additionally, leaders are encouraged to refine assessment processes to better track pupil progress in foundation subjects and ensure that new learning builds effectively on prior knowledge.
The early years provision at Southey Green has seen significant improvements since the last inspection. Children are well-supported in their transition to nursery and beyond, with a focus on developing confidence, independence, and good health practices. The early years leader is dedicated to enhancing the skills of staff to foster inquisitiveness and vocabulary development among children.
The school prioritizes safeguarding, with robust policies and training in place to protect pupils. Leaders, including the headteacher, are committed to creating a positive climate for reflection and improvement, ensuring that staff well-being is also a priority.
In conclusion, Southey Green Primary School and Nurseries has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing a quality education in a supportive environment. With a focus on reading, positive behaviour, and effective leadership, the school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of improvement. Addressing the identified areas for development will further enhance the educational experience for all pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
