Stamshaw Junior School in Portsmouth has recently undergone an inspection, which took place on November 15 and 16, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting the positive environment and educational standards present within the institution. The headteacher, Rob Jones, leads the school, which is part of the University of Chichester Multi-Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Jennese Alozie and a board of trustees chaired by Jane Longmore.
The school is characterized by its high expectations for pupils, fostering both academic and personal growth. The vision of the school emphasizes kindness, effort, and collective achievement, which is evident in the behavior and attitudes of the students. Pupils demonstrate kindness and inclusivity, contributing to a caring school culture. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, enabling pupils to learn and retain essential knowledge and skills, which has led to improved learning outcomes.
Pupils exhibit strong behavior, adhering to clear expectations set by the school. They engage in various leadership roles, such as school councillors and prefects, which helps them develop responsibility and serve as role models for younger students. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities and trips that enhance the educational experience, and pupils appreciate these opportunities.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum is particularly strong in reading, with a focus on ensuring that all pupils can read fluently and with understanding. However, some pupils face challenges in developing their phonics skills, and although they receive daily support, the delivery of this support lacks the necessary precision at times. This can hinder their progress in becoming confident readers.
The curriculum encompasses essential knowledge, skills, and vocabulary across various subjects, with effective teaching observed in core areas like English and mathematics. Other subjects, such as geography and physical education, are also taught well, with a focus on progressively developing skills. The school effectively adapts its teaching for disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring their participation in lessons and activities.
Despite these strengths, there are gaps in pupils' learning that have not been fully identified or addressed. Teachers do not consistently check how well pupils are learning across all subjects, which can lead to missed opportunities for targeted teaching. Most pupils work diligently in class, and while some younger pupils may be overly energetic, the majority understand how to behave appropriately and focus on their work.
The school emphasizes the importance of community involvement, teaching pupils to recognize and challenge inappropriate behavior while supporting those in need. This includes participation in local and global charity work, as well as lessons on personal safety in both real and online environments.
The governing body and trust members play a crucial role in the school's success, monitoring the quality of education and ensuring the safety of pupils. Parents express strong support for the school, highlighting its community spirit and the positive impact it has on their children.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. Overall, while Stamshaw Junior School has made significant progress and provides a good quality of education, it must focus on enhancing phonics support and improving assessment practices to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
