Weston Park Primary School, located in Southampton, has undergone significant improvements in recent years, leading to a positive environment for its pupils. The recent inspection highlighted that students are much happier and more engaged in their learning compared to previous years. The school has successfully transformed its culture, with pupils now demonstrating calmness and focus in their studies. They show respect for one another and the school, fostering a supportive atmosphere where kindness and care are prevalent.
The leadership team has prioritized the safety and well-being of all students, implementing effective measures to address bullying. Pupils report that bullying is infrequent, and they feel confident in approaching staff for help if needed. This commitment to creating a safe environment has been instrumental in raising expectations across the school. Teachers are dedicated to ensuring that students achieve their best, which has been recognized and appreciated by parents. Many parents have noted the positive changes in their children’s attitudes towards school, with one parent stating that the school has turned a corner.
The curriculum at Weston Park Primary is well thought out, providing a broad range of subjects for pupils to explore. Leaders have focused on the details of each subject's content, ensuring that teachers have a clear understanding of how to build students' knowledge and skills. The consistent and high-quality delivery of the curriculum has been emphasized, and teachers possess secure subject knowledge, which enhances their effectiveness in the classroom. Most pupils are gaining important knowledge and can articulate what they have learned, although some still struggle to retain information as well as their peers.
Assessment practices are utilized effectively, allowing pupils to understand their successes and areas for improvement. However, there is room for growth in ensuring that students are clear about their next steps in learning. Teachers' assessments do not always capture how well pupils remember what they have learned over time. Reading skills among pupils are steadily improving, thanks to the school's focus on literacy. Early intervention in teaching phonics and tailored support for struggling readers have contributed to this progress, with more pupils reading accurately by the end of Year 2.
Pupils are developing a love for reading, which is evident across all year groups. They engage with increasingly complex texts and can discuss themes such as empathy in their reading materials. The school also ensures that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they need to access the curriculum fully. Tailored assistance allows these pupils to learn alongside their peers effectively.
Behaviour at Weston Park Primary is commendable, with pupils adhering to rules and showing respect for their teachers and classmates. The school environment is calm and organized, promoting effective learning. Leaders have also focused on the holistic development of pupils, encouraging them to reflect on their roles as good citizens and providing opportunities for leadership.
The headteacher has led a series of reforms that have garnered the support of staff, who feel that their well-being and workload have been considered. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns promptly. The school has established clear systems for reporting issues, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. Overall, Weston Park Primary School has made significant strides in creating a positive and effective learning environment, although there are still areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils learn as effectively as their peers.
