South Avenue Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 October 2022

Pupils are happy and eager to learn in this school. The school ethos of 'together we discover, we learn, we grow' is upheld in lessons and activities across the school. Pupils know the school's values and use them to guide their thinking in class and when at play. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils. Teachers deliver lessons in a manner that encourages and inspires pupils to learn well. They make helpful adaptations in most subjects for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Despite this, some pupils with SEND struggle to access the knowledge and skills they need across the curriculum. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. There is a culture in the school where pupils look after one another. For example, 'playground buddies' help their friends when at play. If pupils misbehave, the sanctions in place help them to improve their behaviour. Pupils who find playtimes overwhelming visit the 'Silver Room' at lunchtime where staff help them to manage their feelings well. If bullying happens, adults deal with this swiftly. This helps pupils to feel safe and enjoy their time in school.

What the school should improve

• In subjects other than English and mathematics, teachers do not routinely check what pupils have learned and remembered. This means that pupils are not drawing upon previous knowledge, and teachers are not able to identify and address gaps in their learning. Leaders need to provide training and support for staff to strengthen practice in this area.
• Pupils with SEND are sometimes given tasks in lessons that lack purpose and challenge. As a result, they miss out on the content delivered in some lessons. Teachers need to make sure that activities are adapted well for pupils with SEND so that they build the component knowledge needed to learn in all subjects.

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