Wimborne Primary School, located in Southsea, Portsmouth, has recently undergone an inspection on June 13 and 14, 2023, and has been rated as good overall. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, with particular strengths in behavior and attitudes, which have been rated as outstanding. The school fosters an inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged to embrace the school’s values, which emphasize sincerity, teamwork, achievement, and respect. From the outset, pupils are taught to embody these values, promoting resilience and creativity.
The curriculum at Wimborne Primary is well-structured and coherent, allowing pupils to engage deeply with their learning. The school implements a variety of enrichment activities, including ‘hook days’ and assemblies, which enhance the educational experience. Pupils are taught about equality and diversity, and they engage in discussions about different backgrounds with sensitivity. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to participate in clubs, trips, and leadership roles, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility among students.
The early years foundation stage is particularly well-managed, ensuring that children develop strong communication skills through carefully planned activities. The learning environment is engaging, allowing children to explore and create with a variety of resources. Leaders prioritize reading, implementing a phonics scheme effectively for early readers, although there are inconsistencies in the support provided to pupils who struggle with reading fluency.
Staff at the school possess the necessary knowledge and skills to teach effectively across all subjects, enabling pupils to confidently discuss their learning. However, the assessment processes for the relatively new curriculum are not fully secure, which can hinder leaders' understanding of how well pupils are learning. This inconsistency means that some pupils may not be achieving their full potential.
Pupils exhibit strong behavior and attitudes, with a culture of respect and care for one another. The school has implemented a behavior management strategy that is consistently applied by staff, and some parents have adopted similar strategies at home. This consistency helps to reinforce positive behavior among pupils.
Wimborne Primary School has a purposeful curriculum that supports personal development, ensuring that all pupils can participate in school activities. Leaders provide necessary support to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent participation. The school promotes character development, preparing pupils for the transition to secondary education.
Governance at the school is effective, with governors maintaining a clear vision during the recent amalgamation of Wimborne Infant and Junior Schools. This transition was managed smoothly, benefiting pupils, parents, and staff alike. The school enjoys strong support from parents, who appreciate the dedication of the staff to ensure that children are happy and well-supported.
The safeguarding arrangements at Wimborne Primary are robust, with a strong culture of safety embedded throughout the school. Staff training is thorough, enabling them to identify when a child may need help. The curriculum also includes important lessons on online safety, equipping pupils with the knowledge to navigate potential risks.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that all pupils who require additional support in reading receive effective assistance. Additionally, leaders must enhance the assessment processes to provide a clearer picture of pupil learning across the curriculum. By addressing these areas, Wimborne Primary School can continue to build on its strengths and ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential.
